Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (Viva Energy), the exclusive distributor of Shell Lubricants in Australia, in partnership with TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech, has named Chelsea Bowers as the TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech Light Automotive Apprentice of the Year for 2020.
The award was announced during SkillsTech’s annual Apprentices Awards. Viva Energy proudly supported the award and works in partnership with TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech to support the training of the next generation of Australian automotive and heavy-duty diesel technicians.
Bowers was nominated by her employer, John Edwards from John Edwards Automotive, who said she is a great apprentice who brings a lot of enthusiasm and excitement to the job.
In addition to other prizes, Bowers will spend a day with the Shell V-Power racing team at the Dick Johnson Racing Team workshop, learning about the skills and preparation required in a professional racing car environment.
“To be nominated for the TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech Apprentice Awards is an absolute blessing. I feel noticed, loved and a part of the community. My career aspirations for the future would be to support more women into the workshop. I’d even like to visit schools and inspire other women to try a trade and see if they like it,” said Bowers.
This is the third year that Viva Energy has sponsored the TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech Apprentice Awards. Cathie Woods, Resources Marketing Manager at Viva Energy said the company was pleased to continue its sponsorship, “We are really proud to be involved with TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech, and presenting this award to Chelsea for excellence in her apprenticeship. It is well-deserved recognition for all of her hard work. I hope she enjoys the award and the day with the Shell V-Power racing team.”
TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech General Manager, John Tucker added, “Chelsea is just one of our award winners and nominees who will go on to become future leaders in their industries, helping to build a stronger and more skilled workforce.
“Our apprentices and their employers all had to navigate through a challenging year and it’s wonderful to be able to acknowledge and commend those who have really gone above and beyond.
“We have so many incredible tradespeople and we hope that the TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech Apprentice Awards provides these men and women with the recognition they deserve, as well as inspiring others to be the best they can be.”
The partnership between TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech and Viva Energy offers apprentices the opportunity to access and use high quality Shell lubricants during their course on campus, as well as receiving training from lubricants technical experts in automotive and heavy-duty lubrication.