Two Southern Tablelands Group Training (STGT) apprentices have been named finalists in the Illawarra Industry Council’s Apprentice of the Year Awards.
Joshua (Tom) Whymark is a 28 year old fourth year Engineering Mechanical Apprentice from Yerrinbool who is hosted by Moss Vale company, Dux. James Mallon, 19, is a fourth year Engineering Fabrication Apprentice from Dapto, who is hosted by Joy Mining Machinery at Unanderra.
STGT manager John Rawle said both men were outstanding apprentices who were an asset to their host employer and their community.
The award nomination has topped off a big period for Mr Whymark who has married, bought a house and started a family, while working and studying on an apprentice wage. From his home, Mr Whymark makes an 80km round trip to attend work and travels 140km to attend TAFE in Wollongong. He also plays first grade rugby union with the Bowral Blacks.
Mr Whymark said he originally started on the factory floor at Dux but decided to become an apprentice to improve his future prospects. He has recently moved into a new on-line maintenance area at Dux.
“I have found my career in engineering, this is the area in which I want to work,” Mr Whymark said.
Mr Mallon is also busy young man. As well as working and studying, he serves as a private and is a trained rifleman in the Australian Army Reserves. He also plays for local AFL Club, the Figtree Kangaroos.
Mr Mallon said he definitely sees a long term career for himself in the mining manufacturing industry. He has already completed his Forklift Ticket, Crane Dogging course and NDT testing experience.
“I really enjoy doing the work and standing back and saying to myself, "I did that",” Mr Mallon said.
The awards, sponsored by the Australian Industry Group Training Services, will be held in Wollongong on October 28.
Established in 2005, STGT provides apprenticeships and traineeships to local people in Goulburn, Crookwell, Braidwood, Queanbeyan, Canberra, Yass, and the Southern Highlands from its Goulburn office. STGT is a division of HVTC, Australia’s largest and oldest Group Training Organisation. HVTC is this year celebrating 30 years of operations, during which it has provided training and employment to more than 18,000 apprentices and trainees. It boasts apprenticeship completion rates of 85%, well above the industry average of 50%.