Harold Goudie, from Kel Stanton’s Mobile Diesel Service, has won the Heavy Commercial Industries Apprentice of the Year prize at the prestigious 2022 TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech Apprentice Awards in Brisbane.
Sponsored by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), the award was open to nominations from apprentices training at Queensland’s most trusted training organisation in heavy automotive, mobile plant, and diesel fitting courses.
As with each category, three finalists were chosen and invited to attend on the night, with the others being Ben Duffield from Brown and Hurley Toowoomba, and Cody Farmer from Lindsay Transport.
Goudie was nominated for the award by his employer Kel Stanton, Director at Kel Stanton’s Mobile Diesel Service, who sees him as a leader within the business already despite his young age.
In the third year of his apprenticeship at TAFE Queensland, Stanton says Goudie has already shown a knack for passing on his growing knowledge: “Harry continually demonstrates excellent initiative and leadership skills within the workplace.
“He is extremely kind-natured and friendly and is always the first to make our school-based work experience students feel welcome within the workplace.
“Three years ago Harry himself was in their exact position, so he is able to relate well and provides the students with a great sense of comfort through his leadership.”
All three finalists’ apprenticeships have been funded by the Queensland Government’s Fee Free Apprenticeships program, which encourages young people to upskill for in-demand industries such as the heavy automotive and transport industries across the state.
TAFE Queensland’s training provides in-demand industries with skilled workers for now and for the future.
TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech General Manager and event host, John Tucker, said the fifth annual Apprentice Awards were a chance to celebrate the outstanding apprentices who would go on to become industry leaders in Queensland.
“The Apprentice Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the dedication and success of the next generation of local tradespeople and I’d like to congratulate all of the finalists on their achievements,” Tucker said.
“TAFE Queensland currently trains more than 25,000 apprentices across Queensland and the finalists and winners recognised tonight are among the best we have seen this year.”
The apprentice awards saw a total of 16 prizes presented to apprentices and two inaugural employer awards announced last Thursday night at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane City.
Unique trade categories presented on the night ranged from carpentry to manufacturing.