Charlotte Varcoe
APPRENTICES were celebrated last week at the annual Group Training Employment (GTE) Apprenticeship Awards.
Nine apprentices received awards throughout the night with two sharing Trainee of the Year.
Currently the employment agency has more than 330 apprentices working throughout the region after opening a second office in Naracoorte late last year, complementing Mount Gambier’s office.
GTE awards coordinator Charlie Matthews said the past year had been a busy one for apprentices and employers alike.
“Everyone has been busy with huge amounts of work and we are always needing to fill jobs around the Limestone Coast,” Mr Matthews said.
“We are finding there are not a lot of people to fill them and because of this the work load and expectations are high but all workers are doing really well.”
He said apprentices have stepped up over the past year and helped carry the weight of increased workloads.
“Many of our apprentices have also shown initiative and they are contributing to the overall running of the workplace,” Mr Matthews said.
“There are big efforts that go on behind the scenes for award nights like this and supporting our apprentices in general.
“From our GTE employees through to stakeholders, host employers and the apprentices family we all chip in together for a combined effort which is where the success comes from.”
Celebrating late into the night, the award ceremony also welcomed Construction Industry Training Board member Toni Hartley who spoke about expanding services and investment into fostering skills in youth.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven also spoke on the night about the expected up-and-coming technical college for the region.
Winners from the night included:
First Year Apprentice of the Year – Noah Cutting
Second Year Apprentice of the Year- Andrew Klose
Third Year Apprentice of the Year – Levi Blok
Fourth Year Apprentice of the Year- Luke Walker
Building Trades Apprentice of the Year- Ian Humphris
Trainee of the Year – Jessica Snell and Halle Collins
Ian Giles Memorial Award- Jacob Edwards
Engineering Excellence Award- Dylan Pfitzner
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