Australian Franchise News – 19-12-14
Three outstanding candidates have been selected for the Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year Awards, due to be announced on Monday, 24th November 2014. Overall Apprentice of the Year candidate Mitchell Blizard was a finalist in 2013 but this year stretched himself to take out the top prize this year. Others have overcome great adversity, with Rising Star candidate Martin van de Walt taking out the prize while recovering from a malicious shock accident while riding his quad bike. Martin drove into wire that was deliberately strung between two trees, suffering horrific injuries.
The Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year Award for overall excellence will be presented to light automotive apprentice Mitchell Blizard, Porsche Service South Sydney, NSW at 11am, Monday 24th November at Porsche South Sydney, 470 Gardeners Road, Alexandria.
The Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year Rising Star Award for exhibiting great potential will be presented to light automotive apprentice Martin van de Walt from Kerry’s Automotive Group, NT.
The Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year Defence Forces Award for demonstrating excellence in the defence forces will be presented to Department of Defence – Army, heavy vehicle apprentice Camron Dixon, based in Enoggera, QLD.
Now in its sixth year, Snap-on Tools’ prestigious annual awards program received 100 entries from apprentices across the country – from small petrol stations to underground mining operations and, including an unprecedented number of young women vying for the top position. The shortlist of 23 finalists was scrutinised by a panel of judges:
- V8 Supercar driver, James Moffatt;
- Motor Traders’ Association of NSW, Senior Manager, Matthew Frame;
- Defence Force – Army, HQ Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National Technical Training Manager, Wayne Allan;
- Auto Skills Australia, Training Package Specialist Stuart Behrend;
- Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, Executive Director, Stuart Charity;
- Snap-on Tools Business Manager and auto engineer Alan Moon.
Snap-on Tools Australia National Sales Manager, Steve Jones is very proud of the results of the Apprentice of the Year programme, acknowledging that the initiative identifies a very strong calibre of candidates and that the standard is increasing each year. “There are some very inspiring young apprentices out there,” said Steve. “Their energies and efforts in developing their skills, particularly in constantly changing, high tech environments, are to be commended. We hope that the Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year Award helps all apprentices recognise that they can become part of a class of highly professional and skilled technicians.”
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