Tradesmen on Time wins National Apprentice of the Year Award

A Brisbane electrical apprentice has taken out the National Apprentice of the Year Award. Dalton Pike from Tradesmen on Time, an Accredited Master Electrician, was presented the award by John Paul Langbroek, Queensland Minister for Education, Training and Employment at a presentation hosted by Master Electricians Australia (MEA).

“While still at school, I was given the opportunity to undergo work experience with Wombat Electrical. This gave me the start I needed and cemented the electrical trade as my career path,” Pike said.

“I think my achievements have stemmed from hard work and constant support from Tradesmen on Time owner Chris Lehmann, my workmates, my SkillsTech teachers and Apprenticeship Mentor Claire Lasslet.

“I plan on continuing my education and starting my own contracting business one day. I’ve had a great head start in life and I can only go up from here.”

Apprentice of the Year winner Dalton Pike (centre) with John Paul Langbroek (left) and employer Chris Lehmann (right).

“Dalton has a bright future ahead of him and I consider him an essential element in my succession plan for my business,” said Tradesmen on Time owner Chris Lehmann.

Other apprentice award winners were:

• 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year: Brendan Radley, Excel Power, Toowoomba
• 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year: Michael Blanch, TORGAS, Townsville
• 1st Year Apprentice of the Year: Scott Heilbronn, TORGAS, Townsville

The large volume of nominations this year meant the judges had their work cut out for them in short-listing and selecting winners, MEA Chief Executive Malcolm Richards said.

“Every year it’s a challenge to select the best of the best to champion the electrical industry and inspire apprentices to work hard and become the future of our industry,” Richards said.

“Hard work, dedication and learning are key to success and MEA are committed to helping our industry produce quality tradespeople of the future.

“Dalton will now go on to be an ambassador for apprentices and assist MEA in further developing apprenticeship programs.”

Pike and Lehmann will be treated to an all-expenses-paid trip to Apprentice of the Year sponsor HPM Legrand’s facilities in Preston, NSW, and a dinner on Sydney Harbour with MEA and HPM Legrand executives.