Top 2015 Victorian electrical apprentices named

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) Victoria has announced the winners of the 2015 NECA Apprentice of the Year Awards.

James Huf, employed by NECA Education and Careers, was judged the best apprentice in the Industrial Award. James revealed that he had a detailed plan for the future and the judges believe with his positive attitude and technical knowledge, he will achieve his goals.

Callum Ashby from Nilsen took out the award for second place in the Industrial Category and Michael Clements from Downer EDI Engineering Electrical was awarded third place.

Lachlan Booth, employed by NECA Education and Careers, was judged the best apprentice in the Commercial and Domestic Award. The judges were very impressed from the outset with Lachlan’s approach to life and his trade; they feel Lachlan has a bright future in the industry and will go a long way.

Dexter Magpantay from Appselec had been awarded runner-up in the Commercial and Domestic Award, with Cameron Wilding from Downer EDI Engineering Electrical awarded the third place.

Luke Woollard from LANEC Services was judged the best apprentice in the Communications Award. The judges were impressed with Luke’s confidence during the face-to-face interview and with his technical knowledge and skills.

Kade Wilson from PSE Communications and Electrical was awarded the runner up in the Communications Award.

The judges compared the academic achievements and on-the-job accomplishments from all of the submissions and decided that these three 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 such as NECA Education and Careers who are working to build skills in our industry. Businesses like Nilsen (Vic), Downer, Appselec, LANEC Services, PSE Communications and Electrical also provide apprentices 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,” said the president of NECA Victoria, John Cutler.