Top apprentices honoured at South West TAFE

At the closing of each school year, South West TAFE presents a number of awards to students who have excelled throughout the past months. The awards recognise the commitment to trades displayed by a select few individuals, those who represent the best the new generation of tradespeople have to offer.

TAFE's construction, engineering and licensing director Paul Meredith spoke to The Standard, expressing his pleasure at the attendance of more than 250 students, employers and families.

"They put in so much hard work throughout the year, so it's great to see that recognised."

Held at Deakin University's Ginger Kitchen, the 2016 Outstanding Student Awards ceremony featured guest speaker Dan Reilly from The Block, who spoke to the crowd about the importance of trades to Australia's regions and his time on the popular television show, both as contestant and now foreman.

Testo's support of young tradespeople in the South West

The team at Testo appreciates the value of top-quality education in forming the young minds that will work in the trades in future. Earlier in 2016, we donated a brand new electrical demo kit to South West TAFE, providing educators and students the best tools to practice on in the classroom to prepare them for their burgeoning professional careers.

Continuing in the spirit of support, Testo was proud to sponsor two categories announced at the October 27 awards ceremony, showing our dedication to continuing the development of the region's young tradespeople.

First up was the 3rd Year Apprentice Award for the Certificate III in Electrotechnology, a field particularly close to the heart of Testo. Isaac Martin from Ploenges Electrical, Port Fairy Electrics and Westvic Staffing Solutions took home the prize, with Brendan Silk from Warrnambool's Midfield Meats as runner-up.

The remaining prize sponsored by Testo was the 3rd Year Apprentice Award for the Certificate III in Plumbing. Jason Lester from Finchett's Plumbing and Westvic Staffing Solutions walked away with this at the ceremony, with Adam Bennett from Southern Victorian Plumbing close behind.

Testo would like to congratulate every student recognised in South West TAFE's awards for 2016 – we look forward to your progress in the future.