The MTA Institute’s best and brightest apprentices have been recognised for their excellence and dedication to the automotive trade, with the finalists officially announced for the 2022 MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year award.
The line-up includes Andrew Shepherd, who recently completed his Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Technology with Trucks on the Run, Toowoomba, and Emily Hodda, a fourth-year Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Technology apprentice from BMAS Biloela.
The winner will be announced at the annual MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala on Saturday, November 19, at the Emporium Hotel, Southbank, Brisbane.
Thanks to tool sponsor Milwaukee Tool, the 2022 Apprentice of the Year will take home a 218-piece automotive starter toolkit A1, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary equipment to thrive as they continue on their journey into the automotive trade. The runners-up, meanwhile, will receive a Milwaukee Tool 3/8” Drive 56-piece Ratchet & Socket Set.
The others in the running for the award are:
- Mitchell Johnston – recently completed his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology with Cam Duffy Autos, Malanda.
- Todd Marshall – recently completed his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology with Insane Performance, Rockhampton.
- Britain Leotta – second-year Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology apprentice from Mackay Transit Coaches.
- Grace Campbell – fourth-year Certificate III in Parts Interpreting apprentice from Central Bike Centre, Emerald.
- Jack Farraway – third-year Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology apprentice from Done Right Automotive, Charters Towers.
- Timothy Louden – fourth-year Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology apprentice from GMW Mechanical & Towing, Gladstone.
- Nathan Faggotter – second-year Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology apprentice from Longreach Motors.
- Klarah Cassar-Tan – fourth-year Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology apprentice from Mercedes-Benz Sunshine Coast.
- Lucas Giacoboni – third-year Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology apprentice from Auto Giant, Brendale.
- Phoenix Ah-Toon – third-year Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology apprentice from Allspec Coatings, Yatala.
MTA Institute general manager Paul Kulpa said: “With over 2200 apprentices currently training with the MTA Institute, the standard of nominations for the Apprentice of the Year award has never been higher.
“I am absolutely blown away by the passion and the craft our finalists have exhibited throughout their apprenticeships to this point, and I congratulate them all on this well-deserved recognition.
“As the automotive industry continues to experience critical skill and labour shortages here in Queensland, the ability to come together to recognise and acknowledge those achieving and doing incredible things has never been more important. I have little doubt these individuals will continue to aspire to great heights as they progress on their journey in the automotive industry.
Kulpa said he’s also excited by the breadth of regions being represented by this year’s finalists.
“From the Gold Coast to Malanda, and from Gladstone, Mackay, and Rockhampton to Biloela, Longreach and Charters Towers, this is the most geographically diverse group of finalists we have ever had and speaks to our commitment to delivering crucial skills right across the state.”