NSW Training Awards 2009

Gavin Press from Central West Group Apprentices (CWGA) and AJS Electrical was the big winner at the NSW Department of Education and Training Awards held at the Darling Harbour in Sydney. Gavin, an Electrical Apprentice from Bathurst, took out the event’s major award becoming the NSW Apprentice of the Year.

“I was so surprised and stoked. It takes a large support network and I have been lucky enough to get encouraged every step of the way with my family, AJS, TAFE and CWGA.” Gavin said.

Gavin has completed his Electrical (Mechanic) – (Electrotechnology Systems Electrician) Certificate III apprenticeship and is currently in Canada after representing Australia at the International WorldSkills competition. During a phone call to Canada at 4am, Gavin said he was honoured to have been chosen as this year’s winner, while his employer Anthony Stockman accepted the award on Gavin behalf.

“Gavin is an outstanding young man and to win this award is a fine acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication has shown over the years” said Anthony.

Other winners from the Central West included CWGA Host-Employer Mick Fabar Constructions from Orange took out the Small Business of the Year Award and Apprentice Painter Kyle French also from Orange won the Excellence in Trade Skills Award.

“We are very proud of Gavin, Mick and Kyle. To win at this State level is a huge achievement and the best result ever for Central West Group Apprentices” said CWGA CEO Ben Bardon.

The awards are open to over 150,000 Apprentices and Trainees in NSW. The Department of Education State Training awards are run annually and the gala event was presented by Verity Firth MP, Minister for Education and Training.

Gavin will now represent the NSW at the National Training Awards in November.