Best electrical trade teacher in Australia announced

Murray Dryburgh, electrotechnology teacher at the Leeton campus of TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, took out the 2009 NECA Electrical Trade Teacher of the Year Award. His award includes professional development and a cash prize totalling $5000, which he intends to use to develop photovoltaic training for his courses.

The award recognises the outstanding contribution made by trade teachers in continuously raising the standard of education and training in electrotechnology. Applicants are assessed on their excellence in teaching, innovative practice and client satisfaction.

Dryburgh has been an electrical trade teacher in southern NSW for over 18 years. He is highly regarded by his peers and former students as an inspirational teacher who goes out of his way to ensure students succeed in their studies and careers. Many of his students have won electrical trade awards and some have established their own successful businesses in the industry and sent their own apprentices to him, confident that he provides the best training available. Some students travel considerable distances to participate in his courses.

Determined to provide ‘industry current’ programs, Dryburgh constantly seeks new equipment from both TAFE and industry to expose his students to the latest and emerging technologies and industry practices. He regularly liaises with industry representatives and clients to build his programs to directly meet their needs. To keep his own skills and knowledge up to date, he has spent much of his holiday time on professional development courses or working in the industry.

Wes McKnight, NECA Victoria president and judging panel convener, said: “Murray is clearly passionate about his students and his work. He has developed flexible training delivery systems that reach across a wide geographical area and have proven to be highly successful. The dedication he shows his students and the involvement he has in their training and careers is remarkable.”

James Tinslay, NECA National CEO, added: “NECA directly employs thousands of apprentices through its group training schemes and represents the employers of tens of thousands of electricians throughout Australia. We therefore have a great interest in both the quality of training and the commitment and motivation of the teachers and mentors in this country. Murray has demonstrated that he is an exceptional teacher in every respect and we are indebted to him for his significant contribution to our industry.”