Some of Queensland’s brightest sparks were recognised on Friday night (May 17) with the Energex Apprentice of the Year Awards.
Up-and-coming electrical fitter mechanics, electrical linespersons and electrical jointers were presented with awards, with Marcus Randall winning Apprentice of the Year and Electrical Linesperson of the Year.
Aldi Testa took home the award for Electrical Fitter Mechanic of the Year, while Warren Stevens scooped up the award for Electrical Jointer/Linesperson (dual trade) of the Year.
Queensland’s minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle congratulated the winners and said that he applauded those starting apprenticeships with organisations like Energex, that will ensure workforces are “equipped to meet future challenges”.
“Energex have consistently taken on large numbers of apprentices and plays a similar role to universities by developing skills needed in the broader workplace,” Mr McArdle said.
“It is high-risk work that must be done to an exceptional standard, which means the quality of these apprentices and other Energex staff is highly regarded.”
Gladstone State High School acting principal Kevin Giles, told the Gladstone Observer that getting an apprenticeship or traineeship was now an ‘attractive alternative’ to ‘pinning their hopes’ on a good OP.
Around 17 per cent of graduates in central Queensland were involved in school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, while the south-east had 21 per cent and north Queensland 18 per cent.
