Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by the Gil Court Memorial Fund.

Winner: Shawn Du Venage - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

Employer: Power Water Corporation
Registered training provider: Charles Darwin University

Shawn took the leap from running his own business to becoming a mature age apprentice to follow his long-held desire to work in the electrical industry. He says taking up an apprenticeship later in life was challenging with returning to school and starting again from the bottom, but ultimately rewarding. Shawn now works as operator / maintainer at Yulara Power Station, an opportunity to learn more about the operation of a power station.

Shawn says it's never too late to change careers and learn new skills. During his studies towards his Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician he says he was fortunate to learn from skilled colleagues.

Runner up: Tim Schmidt - Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade

Employer: Hastings Deering (Aust) Ltd
Registered training provider: Hastings Deering Institute of Technology