By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
APPRENTICES and trainees from all over the Yarra Ranges were honoured last week with awards at the 2015 Casey Apprentice/Trainee Awards held at Chateau Yering in Yarra Glen.
Finalists apprentices and trainees were accompanied by about 100 of their peers, employers, family and friends on Tuesday 22 September for the awards ceremony.
Presented by Casey MP Tony Smith, the awards recognise the passion and achievements of both young and mature apprentices in the community.
“Recognising and rewarding excellence across our trades is very important, not just for those within the trades, but for our economy as well,” he said.
The awards ceremony honoured the best and brightest of apprentices and trainees from around the Casey area with certificates and recognition from peers and business leaders.
Steven’s Glass proprietor Nick Fraraccio, who is one of the committe members who selects the winners, said the awards were great for the esteem of trainees.
“Being involved with young people and encouraging them to come into the workforce is very important,” he said.
Sue O’Brien, the general manger of Chateau Yering and also a committee member, said the awards were a great asset to the drive of trainees.
“It’s fantastic to be involved with young people who are passionate and work hard,” she said.
“I also love that there are mature apprentices as well, it’s really great to recognise them too because they often get looked over.”
There were two overall winners on the night – Elizabeth Lilburn from Mount Evelyn took out the top prize in the young age group and Adrian George from Elecorp in Monbulk won the mature trainee award.
Mr George said winning the award as a mature aged apprentice really meant a lot as older apprentices could get a raw deal when it came to awards like this.
“It’s great having that recognition,” he said.
“I’m so pleased to have an employer that gave me a go.”
Mr George said starting an apprenticeship as a mature-age trainee could be really tough but winning this award had helped his outlook.
“It’s been really hard as we have two young kids and changing careers half way through life is a hard thing to do.”
“Especially going from full time work to apprenticeship wages,” he said.
Ms Lilburn also said the award was a great source of honour for her.
“I feel elated,” she said.
“I love (my co-workers) like a family, and I’m so encouraged and proud.”
Mr Smith said the selection committee had a really hard time choosing the winners from the massive number of nominations they received this year.
“The committee had an immensely tough job this year, choosing the winners and runners-up – there was just such a high calibre of finalists,” he said.
“I extend a big congratulations to everyone – to the apprentices and trainees, to the employers who supported them, and to the families – they should be very proud of their achievements.”
