NECA recognises Victorian electrical apprentices

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has recognised five electrical apprentices, who demonstrated consistent levels of excellence throughout their training, at the annual Apprentice of the Year Awards at Crown Melbourne.

Steven Granger from Shepparton, was judged the best apprentice in the Commercial and Domestic Category. The fourth-year apprentice excelled during his studies at Go TAFE and during on-the-job training in commercial and industrial work with PA & WM Reilly Electrical Contractors, Shepparton.

“The opportunities within the electrotechnology industry are seemingly endless. The next step is the completion of my apprenticeship and it will undoubtedly shape my life and career. Exposure to renewable energy projects has given me an insight into what I believe is one of the biggest shifts in the electrotechnology industry - and this is where I see my future career,” Granger said.

Christopher Cahill from Highton took the award for second place in the Commercial and Domestic Award. Cahill is employed by Downer EDI Engineering Electrical and has worked across numerous areas which include commercial and industrial construction projects and Downer’s Electrical Service Department.

Twenty-five-year-old Michael Lawton of Oak Park took the third place prize in the Commercial and Domestic Award and is employed by Nilsen (Vic). Lawton has worked on various Nilsen projects during his apprenticeship.

Twenty-seven-year-old Pat Mammone from Pascoe Vale won the Industrial Award and is employed by Nilsen (Vic). Mammone has worked on a variety of projects including Crown Conference Centre, Inghams, ETA Water Treatment Plant and the New Telstra Data Centre Clayton. The fourth-year apprentice, who also attended NECA Skills Centre, said he was honoured to be working in an industry he enjoys.

Troy Malthouse of Truganina was second in the Industrial Award. He is employed by Gforce Employment Solutions and in 2010 was placed with host employer Gordon McKay, working out of their workshop in Williamstown.

Executive Director of NECA Victoria Philip Green said the judges were impressed with the development of the winning, second and third placegetter apprentices.

“The judges compared the academic achievements and on-the-job accomplishments from all of the submissions and decided that these two were the best performing apprentices in Victoria. The apprentice awards are also held to recognise the important role employers play in training apprentices.

“It is also important to remember that it is not only the apprentices and training institutions working to build skills in our industry. Many businesses like PA & WM Reilly Electrical Contractors , Nilsen (Vic), Downer and Gordon McKay engage apprentices and provide them with the support and opportunities they need to develop the practical component of their trade. Without the assistance of the business community, apprentices would not get the on-the-job training that is so important to the electrical and communications industry,” Green added.