2015 New South Wales MIGAS Awards Night
On Friday the 19th June, MIGAS held the annual NSW Awards Night at The Cube in the Campbelltown Catholic Club in Sydney.
Guests were greeted with a red carpet entrance, drink service and a merchandise bag full of goodies courtesy of our generous sponsors.
Master of Ceremonies and MIGAS Awards Night veteran Damien Botha kicked off the night, welcoming our distinguished guests, including Naomi Dinnen, CEO of Group Training Association of NSW & ACT, Jim Barron CEO of Group Training Australia and Amber Zinke, former 2013 National MIGAS Apprentice of the Year. Our guests enjoyed a gourmet meal, were inspired by the achievements of Australia’s First Winter Olympic Gold Medallist Steven Bradbury and danced the evening away to the musical stylings of 3 Way Split.
We were pleased to call our nominees that were in attendance on the evening up on stage to recognise their achievements and commitments. This year in particular saw an exceptionally high calibre of nominations submitted by MIGAS Field Officers and participating host companies. Check out who was nominated here >
MIGAS are very pleased to announce the winners of the 2015 NSW MIGAS Awards Night.
Outstanding Trainee
Troy Masters
Troy has completed a Certificate III Warehousing Operations for Jaybro Safety & Civil Products in Coffs Harbour. His Branch Manager, James Maggio speaks highly of Troy stating “Troy ran the branch just 6 weeks after starting as I needed to work from home for that week. Troy finished his modules in less than 7 months and we made him permanent. Right from the start Troy was keen to take on the role as the warehouse manager and rearranged the warehouse to allow a lot more stock to be held in the depot”. Troy has demonstrated initiative in the workplace by implementing measures to reduce courier costs and increase customer satisfaction with the branch. He has demonstrated such excellent product and company knowledge that he has been sent to several other branches tasked with training new staff as they come on board.
Hunter TAFE Outstanding Apprentice
Patrick Greenwood
Patrick is 4th year apprentice completing a Certificate III in Electrotechnology for Hedweld Engineering. Hedweld have said “Pat is not just evolving into an excellent tradesperson; he has become a fine young man. Recent out of work issues back up this fact. The way Pat conducted himself during this time is a credit to himself and his family. For Pat to come to work and go about his daily duties the way he does is an inspiration to us all. Always smiling, always willing to help others. Pat is an inspiration to those around him. As far as a recent work related challenge, Pat recently found wiring our first generation Electric Ladder control module difficult and time consuming. To solve the problem, Pat designed a wiring jig that made wiring easy and halved manufacture time! Pat designed the jig and fabricated it himself. Pat is a problem solver”. His Supervisor stated “Although Pats work ethic, attitude to safety, practical and technical skills are far beyond those of any 4th year Apprentice I’ve seen in my 25 years as an electrical tradesperson, it is the person that he has become which I’m most proud of. He leads by example at work and at home. His parents should be proud.”
Hunter TAFE Outstanding Apprentice
Tristan McKenzie
Tristan is a 3rd year apprentice completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting & Turning) for Hedweld Engineering. Hedweld have said “Tristan regularly steps up into supervisory roles on Fridays when there are no tradesmen in the workshop, maintaining the workflow, supporting & advising our 2nd & 1st year apprentices. He executes this with a maturity well beyond his age. Tristan often researches new and innovative technologies of his own accord, in his own time, with regard to latest technology tooling, CNC machine programming, operation and processes and offers them up for suggested improvements in the workplace. This is testament to his true passion for the trade and his desire to achieve his personal & career goals”. His supervisor stated “The key to Tristan’s success in his apprenticeship so far is his own innate desire to achieve. He has a natural passion for his chosen trade, a commendable level of self-discipline, focus, and continually pushes himself to be the best he can. He is a highly reliable and dependable employee with excellent attendance records at work as well as at TAFE.”
NSW School-based of the Year
Jade Ernst
Jade is completing a Certificate II in Retail Services for Reading Cinemas in Maitland. Reading Cinemas have said that Jade is wonderful at ensuring she has completed all of her jobs by the end of the day. She keeps herself busy and takes initiative to seek more work or to help others when her jobs are completed. She is highly reliable when asked to help and always available to support the team.
NSW Trainee of the Year
Hannah Lyons
Hannah is completing a Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts while working for her Host Employer, Jaybro Civil & Safety Products in Arndell Park. Hannah’s TAFE teacher, Jennifer Anderson provided a reference in regard to her commitment to study, stating “I have found Hannah to be extremely conscientious towards her studies and very competent at every task & activity she is given. Hannah’s has a strong work ethic that she brings to every component of her studies and I know she will achieve all the goals she sets herself”. Hannah’s Team Leader at Jaybro, Tom Frier supports this, stating “Hannah has excelled in everything that she has done since working at Jaybro. She is very well spoken, well-mannered and a very good communicator”.
NSW Apprentice of the Year
Jake Perram
Jake is a 3rd year apprentice completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Sheet Metal) for Emjay Process Systems. Emjay Process Systems have said “Jacob has impressed all who work with him. His quality of work is now at tradesman level. Jacob can read drawings, asses what is required and manufacture the article without intervention by our tradespeople. This is a very rare quality in such a young man”. His Managing Director states “I have employed a great number of people over the last 40 years, but rarely do you come across the qualities that Jacob displays, he will achieve great things”.
Female Excellence in Vocation Award
Jessica Fiatarone
Jessica is completing a Certificate IV in Business Services with her Host Employer, BOC Ltd. When asked about Jessica’s greatest contribution to the workplace, her Supervisor, Lisa Twomey answered “Jessica showed initiative in organising a 'trade day' for our Oxy/Acet testing market. She lead the team in producing flyers, signage and post outs for a two day affair at a local gas & gear dept. This has ultimately lead to an ongoing market of sales and service which we had not previously reached. It has been so successful, that there is now a possibility of extending these days to other stores”. Jessica’s confidence and ability to undertake her role have improved dramatically in the time she has been with BOC. She has undertaken an advanced excel course to further her contribution to the workplace and is a highly valued member of the BOC team.
NSW Safe Host of the Year
Hirotec
Hirotec demonstrate exceptional commitment to safety in the workplace by regularly scheduling consistent Tool Box Meetings, conducting exceptional Apprentice mentoring and advocating safe work methods.
NSW Host of the Year
Roadhound Electronics
Roadhound Electronics demonstrate exceptional commitment to the continued training and support of their apprentices and trainees. They pride themselves on the excellent morale in their workplace and commitment to a health workplace. Roadhound Electronics ensure they provide all training staff with adequate time in the workplace to complete their theory while on the job. Their apprentices exceed productivity expectations daily due to high job satisfaction and commitment to their employer.
See all photos from the NSW MIGAS Awards Night >