Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by the Gil Court Memorial Fund.

Winner: Michael Treloar - Certificate III in Plumbing

Employer: Fred NT
Registered training provider: Charles Darwin University

Michael Treloar says he never gets bored working as a plumber as he’s always in different spaces and places. In his four years in the trade, Michael has worked on major projects in remote communities and major urban centres, doing everything from standard plumbing tasks to operating road trains and fabricating equipment.

Winning Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) ‘most outstanding third year plumbing apprentice’ award motivated Michael to enter the Northern Territory (NT) Training Awards. As he says, being an award winning apprentice can set you above the rest.

Michael enjoys mentoring new apprentices and trainees and has often taken a lead role in training on the job. He is committed to ensuring a safe workplace and work practices, as plumbing is a high risk industry, and leads by example in demonstrating and teaching correct procedures.

Remote work holds a particular appeal for this second generation Territorian, who is often found fishing during his down time. The skills, knowledge and networks Michael gained during his apprenticeship helped him build his own home in Darwin.

Runner up: Grant Walker - Certificate III in in Plumbing

Employer: GTNT
Host employer: Power Water Corporation
Registered training provider: Charles Darwin University