Plumber wins Rotary Club of Warrnambool East Apprentice Award

Thomas was shortlisted for the annual award which is donated by Rotary and awarded to a first year apprentice from South West TAFE.

Thomas was one of eight students to be nominated by their teachers for excellence in their trades and dedication to their studies and it was his positive attitude and drive to succeed which made him stand out as the winner.

He is employed by Gedye Plumbing in Warrnambool and was described as having a positive outlook on life and always willing to listen and help others.

The eight students were interviewed by Rotary club and South West TAFE staff members and shortlisted to four award winners.

The award was judged on how students were progressing in their course, their willingness to learn, how they positively represented their trade and how they could be encouraged to continue their studies.

The judging panel was impressed by all students and their focus on creating successful careers for themselves.

The runner-up award went to hairdressing apprentice Zoe Rose and encouragement awards were won by electrical apprentice Jeremy Kuyper and engineering apprentice Bradley Clark.

Other award nominees included Fabian Rarere, Hayden Stares, Nicholas Hoare and Todd Saffin.

Rotary’s Youth and Vocation director Wendy Mitchem was assisted by Rotarians Bill Hewett and Peter Reeve and said all the candidates showed incredible enthusiasm in their trades and had bright futures ahead of them.

She said it was wonderful to see the apprentices from all different backgrounds and ages, all succeeding in their chosen fields.

The Rotary Club of Warrnambool East has offered this award for many years and continues to provide ongoing support to training apprentices in the region.

South West TAFE CEO Mark Fidge said the organisation was grateful for the partnership with Rotary in supporting apprentices.

“It’s great to have the ongoing support of the Rotary Club of Warrnambool East and the encouragement this award gives to our first year apprentices is invaluable,” he said.