Thornton boiler maker Cameron Baxter is the region’s top fabrication apprentice tradie.
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He was twice-recognised for his hard work at the 2014 Hunter Region Apprenticeships and Traineeships Advisory Awards.
Mr Baxter, 21, was named apprentice of the year in his field (engineering – fabrication Certificate III) at a black tie presentation where he also picked up the excellence in manufacturing award.
“This is the first nomination for a training award in my trade and I am humbled to be able to represent my trade, HVTC [Hunter Valley Training Company] and Maitland City Council,” he said.
“Council has given me a lot of help to get where I am today.”
The HRATA awards are conducted annually and designed to reward and promote vocational education and training excellence in the Hunter region.
HVTC had another two apprentices, from Warners Bay and Waratah, recognised at the awards.
“Our success at the HRATA awards is a fantastic result for everyone involved,” HVTC CEO Sharon Smith said.
“HVTC links potential with opportunity and as Australia’s oldest and largest group-training company, we continue to produce outstanding and award-winning apprentices and trainees that help shape a skilled Australia.”
Council projects and building services manager Graeme Matthews said positions in its trades program were hotly contested for good reason.
“Council produces great opportunities for trades people, whether it’s in Cameron’s area [fabrication], plant mechanical or horticultural fields,” he said.
“We endeavour to provide them with a variety of work which is vital when learning a trade.”
Mr Baxter is part of the HVTC leadership program and helps mentor new starters.
“I love hands-on work and getting out into the field to take on different jobs every day,” he said.
“My goal is to pay it forward to train and mentor other apprentices and trainees, work experience placements and other young people who are keen to pursue a trade.”
Mr Baxter was one of three HVTC young leaders recognised at the HRATA awards on June 27.
Waratah’s Andrew Godwin (engineering mechanical) was awarded overall apprentice of the year.
Warners Bay lad Joshua Lodge (laboratory operations) was trainee of the year across all vocations.
With the growing importance of vocational training, the awards play a critical role in the economic landscape by encouraging excellence in skills development.
