The team at Yarra Glen Floors are excited that Daniel has won Apprentice of the Year. Back, left to right, Jeanette Osborne, Levi Hird, Roger Gordon, front, Darren Osborne, Daniel Downing and John Osborne.By Melissa Meehan
A YARRA Glen floor-finishing apprentice has taken out top honours in the Apprentice of the Year awards at Holmesglen TAFE.
Daniel Downing, 20, an apprentice at Yarra Glen Floors in Yarra Glen, took out the award for floor finishing trade earlier this month.
Downing, who lives in Lilydale and works in Yarra Glen, won the award for his second year of the Certificate III in floor finishing and covering studies undertaken in 2007.
He said he was initially a little overwhelmed by the award.
“At first I was shocked to get the award, but then I quickly felt pretty happy with it. It feels really good to have someone take notice of your efforts,” he said.
Downing said the team at Yarra Glen Floors had been a big part of his achievement.
“The staff here are very supportive and have helped me every step along the way,” he said.
Downing said that he “fell into flooring” but has loved working ever since.
Yarra Glen Floors owner John Osborne said he was very proud of Downing’s success at the Apprentice of the Year awards.
“This is a great personal achievement for Daniel. He was worked really hard and he deserves to be honoured for his dedication,” he said.
“His award also reflects well on our business. It’s not the first time one of our apprentices has won Apprentice of the Year. Roger Gordon won previously, and we have all worked hard to give Daniel the experience he needs and to support him in his studies.”
