The annual Group Training Employment Apprentice and Trainee of the Year awards were held last Thursday evening at the Mount Gambier Bowls Club, celebrating the exceptional achievements of apprentices and trainees who were employed by GTE in 2021.

A number of people could not attend due to COVID restrictions, however GTE general manager and emcee Greg Megaw still welcomed just over 50 guests, which included Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forest Industries Minister Clare Scriven.

The Apprentices of the Year included first year apprentice bricklayer Noah Cutting, second year apprentice diesel mechanic Andrew Klose, third year apprentice plumber Levi Blok and fourth year recently-completed apprentice electrician Luke Walker.

There were two awardees for Trainee of the Year, which were recently-completed beauty trainee Halle Collins and public relations, marketing and events trainee Jessica Snell.

Apprentice tiler Ian Humphris was recognised as Building Trades Apprentice of the Year, horticulture apprentice Jacob Edwards received the Ian Giles Memorial Award and engineering fabrication apprentice Dylan Pfitzner received the Engineering Excellence Award.

GTE deputy chairperson Scott Whicker said it was great to see young people succeed in what they chose to do in life and taking on the challenges that come their way.

“They come through this, growing as individuals, developing skills and ultimately becoming valuable members of our community, utilising the skills they have developed and hopefully passing on their knowledge and skills to future generations,” Mr Whicker said.

Mr Whicker said the efforts of GTE staff, host employers and the support and care of family and friends all underpinned the success of trainees and apprentices and helped them towards their accomplishments.