Strathalbyn local’s training passion brings national success
23 November 2004
A 21-year-old mechanical engineer with a passion for training has won the New Apprenticeships Apprentice of the Year Award at the 2004 Australian Training Awards.
Brad Donaldson from the Adelaide suburb of Strathalbyn, received the national award at a ceremony held at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne tonight.
Brad completed his apprenticeship through the Engineering Employers Association South Australia’s Group Training Scheme at host employer, Clipsal, receiving a Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical) from the Regency Institute of TAFE.
A passionate advocate for training as a pathway to success in career and life, Brad uses his skills to solve problems in his work. He considers training to be the “only way to go” in his industry.
“Training has given me every opportunity in my career so far, because once you get a trade, you will always have work,” he said.
Brad’s long term goals include working and studying overseas and starting his own business. He is completing an Advanced Diploma of Mechanical Engineering and spends any free time customising his home workshop. He’s also planning another apprenticeship in electrical engineering and ultimately, a degree in mechanical engineering.
Another of Brad’s many achievements this year is winning the Holden national Apprentice of the Year.
According to ANTA chairman, David Hind, a highly skilled Australian workforce is key to growing the national economy and to ensuring Australia remains competitive internationally.
“Students like Brad are proof positive that vocational education and training is the pathway to a great career,” Mr Hind said.
Runner up in the New Apprenticeships Apprentice of the Year category was David Ringswandle, a 21-year-old auto-technician from Pipers River (near Launceston, Tasmania) who completed a Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical Light Vehicle) at the Institute of TAFE Tasmania.
Other South Australians to share the winner’s dais with Brad were River Murray Training from Berri, named the Small Training Provider of the Year, and Adelaide’s ACI Glass Packaging, the 2004 Employer of the Year.
The Australian Training Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of apprentices, trainees and students as well as the contribution of enterprises and training providers to skilling Australia.
The Awards are hosted by the Australian National Training Authority and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Jan Martin -- 0418 875 547
Alison Carbery -- 0409 070 507
Samantha Murray – 0407 898 724