Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by the Gil Court Memorial Fund.

Winner: Luke Fleming - Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology (Heavy Vehicle Mobile Equipment)

Employer: Hastings Deering (Australia) Ltd
Registered training provider: Charles Darwin University

While mechanics was always an interest, 30-year-old Luke Fleming did not consider making it his career immediately. After completing year 12 in 1998, Luke went on to work in a coaching and development role for the Australian Rugby League for five years before training with the Australian Customs Service as a customs officer, where he worked for several years.

True job satisfaction did not come to Luke until 2008 when he finally decided to study for his Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology (Heavy Vehicle Mobile Equipment). Luke was worried he may have missed the chance to gain an apprenticeship, however, his employer Hastings Deering (Aust) Ltd were quick to snap him up due to his vast personal life experience, confidence and strong communication skills.

Luke was named the Hastings Deering Darwin Apprentice of the Year last year and came a close second in the National Hastings Deering Top Apprentice Challenge. Luke has completed his apprenticeship and works as a field service diesel fitter for Hastings Deering Caterpillar dealership.

He loves the satisfaction of diagnosing and solving a machine’s problem as well as the travel to different locations within the Territory to get to the machines in need of repair.

When not working, Luke spends time with his young family and has maintained an interest in rugby league as a coach to various youth representative and local club teams.

Runner up: Hanna Beere - Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (Light Fabrication)

Employer: Northern Stainless
Registered training provider: Charles Darwin University