Awards night recognises apprentice tradies 

 
 

The future of the Northern Territory’s trades industry is in good hands following Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Trades Industry Division’s annual awards ceremony.

Students demonstrating outstanding efforts during 2008 were recognised and presented their awards by VET lecturers, Tim Nicol and Michael Kastellorizios.

A number of students received awards on the night in recognition of applied excellence.

Jared Payne received the Buildex Award for ‘Most Outstanding Roof Plumbing Apprentice’, with Theo Kosmidis taking out the Rhino Industrial’ Most Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice in Plumbing’.

Samuel Thompson received the Sunbuild Award for ‘Most Outstanding Trainee’, James King received the Snap on Tools Award for ‘Best 4th Year Apprentice Mechanical Technology Award’, and Travis Motlap made the journey to Darwin all the way from Tennant Creek to receive the Group Training Northern Territory Award for ‘Most Improved Apprentice, Remote Construction’.

Special guests on the night included Member for Solomon, Damien Hale, Minister for Small Business, Dr Chris Burns, CEO of Group Training, Mike Harris, and Rod Crier, Department of Education and Training.

NT Manager Trades Industry Division, Brent Villiers said the night was all about acknowledging high achievers within the trade’s discipline.

“The ceremony encourages students to excel in their trade and be recognised in their industry," he said.

"It also recognises and publicly thanks employers and donors for their contributions and support throughout the year.”

VET Lecturer Metals Engineering, Mr. Alvin Tan was named the Trades Industry Division’s Lecturer of the Year, and Amelia Papathomas for Customer Service Officer of the Year.