2018 Award Winners
2018 Apprentice of the Year - Winner
Jacob Saunders
Cert 3 in Electrotechnology
RTO: TAFE SA
Employed by Water Engineering Technologies – SA Water
Jacob is an exception to the rule. SA Water rarely employ electrical apprentices that have not completed Year 12. Jacob had set his sights on being an electrician from an early age and had already completed several pathway courses before the end of year 11. He applied for a position in Berri at SA Water. They haven’t regretted the move. They have watched this young person develop an intimate understanding around PLC and Scada technology that has helped to design, draw and implement an automation upgrade throughout its infrastructure. This project has allowed SA Water to remotely monitor various aspects of its infrastructure and enable early identification of any potential supply issues or breakdowns. These are skills beyond the standard apprenticeship training manual and underline the commitment and learnings Jacob has undertaken in his own time. His supervisor Darran Bright said that Jacob had matured into a key team member with a drive to be successful in all facets of the job.
2018 Apprentice of the Year - Runner Up
Benjamin Pilgrim
Cert 3 in Carpentry
RTO: Training Prospects
Employed by SMGT hosted by Big River Developments
As Ben Pilgrim began his apprenticeship with SMGT he developed a clear vision for what skills he wanted to acquire throughout his time. His long-time goal to be an all-round builder/carpenter was underpinned by a desire to always seek self-improvement opportunities. As a result, Ben has gone out of his way to learn extra skills such as tiling, roofing, gyprocking and estimating project costs to provide himself with a wholistic set of skills he can apply on the worksite. These days Murray Knowling is confident to send Ben to a job alone to complete allocated tasks. He has shown a wonderful attitude towards his trade, Murray says.
2018 Trainee of the Year - Winner
Bradley Lloyd
Cert 4 in Business
RTO: TAFE SA
Employed by Hansen Electric
Brad has come a long way in a short amount of time since joining Hansen Electric. His work as the company administrator has blossomed in so much more than either he or his employers would have imagined. He has become David and Sandy Neindorf’s “go to” person for so much more than the role he was originally employed. As a tech savvy millennial, he has become accustomed to introducing new ways of doing old tasks. He completed his Certificate IV in Business all while helping keep the busy Hansen Electric team on track and growing, taking charge of handling suppliers, sourcing rare parts, managing MYOB, conducting employee inductions, handling customer enquiries have all become part of his portfolio. David and Sandy said, Bradley came to us from Waikerie High School highly recommended and he has lived up to that promise.
2018 Trainee of the Year - Runner Up
Breanna Freeman
Cert 3 in Library and Information Services
RTO: Library training Services Australia
Employed by Berri Barmera Council
Breanna is a new age librarian keen to make public libraries just as relevant as they were in the past. No longer are libraries just books and Dewey systems and Breanna’s willingness to embrace change, initiate new programs and provide services that library users require has helped revolutionise the reasons people visit the Berri Library. Her IT skills have helped users access social media, better utiltise their phones and market the library to a wider audience. She co-ordinates children’s programs and craft activities for children under 5 and their parents and has become an integral member of staff in a short time.
2018 Industry Winner - Automotive/Diesel
Luke Bacskai
Cert 3 in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology
RTO: TAFE SA
Employed by Berri Diesel Injection Services Pty Ltd
Excelling as a diesel fuel system technician can be a challenge. It is a job that requires patience, concentration and precision. At Berri Diesel Injection Service, it didn’t take Chris Philp long to realise he had a young star on his hands when Luke joined his team. “Luke is a very special person when it comes to this type of technology,” he said. “I could not wish to have a better apprentice under my roof.” His TAFE lecturer John Copeland described Luke as having an exemplary knowledge in his field, which was a difficult one, especially for an early school leaver. So skilful is Luke, that he spends his spare time preparing and racing his own speedway and motocross bikes as well as assisting in the pit crews in Sydney with very high-performance race engines.
2018 Industry Winner - Cookery
Jack Mitchell
Cert 3 – in Commercial Cookery
RTO: TAFE SA
Employed by Barmera Club
Jack knows what it is like to be thrown in the deep end and deliver under pressure. After starting out as a school-based apprentice at the Barmera Club, he has developed an ability to work within a team to deliver meals of a high quality and in a timely manner. In September last year he had to run the club kitchen when the senior chef took four weeks annual leave. While stepping up from worker to boss presented its challenges, he met the challenge head on and at the tender age of 19 managed the kitchen with the aptitude of someone with many more years’ experience.
2018 Industry Winner - Building & Construction
Benjamin Pilgrim
Cert 3 in Carpentry
RTO: Training Prospects
Employed by SMGT hosted by Big River Developments
As Ben Pilgrim began his apprenticeship with SMGT he developed a clear vision for what skills he wanted to acquire throughout his time. His long-time goal to be an all-round builder/carpenter was underpinned by a desire to always seek self-improvement opportunities. As a result, Ben has gone out of his way to learn extra skills such as tiling, roofing, gyprocking and estimating project costs to provide himself with a wholistic set of skills he can apply on the worksite. These days Murray Knowling is confident to send Ben to a job alone to complete allocated tasks. He has shown a wonderful attitude towards his trade, Murray says.
2018 Industry Winner - Electrical/Air Conditioning
Jacob Saunders
Cert 3 in Electrotechnology
RTO: TAFE SA
Employed by Water Engineering Technologies – SA Water
Jacob is an exception to the rule. SA Water rarely employ electrical apprentices that have not completed Year 12. Jacob had set his sights on being an electrician from an early age and had already completed several pathway courses before the end of year 11. He applied for a position in Berri at SA Water. They haven’t regretted the move. They have watched this young person develop an intimate understanding around PLC and Scada technology that has helped to design, draw and implement an automation upgrade throughout its infrastructure. This project has allowed SA Water to remotely monitor various aspects of its infrastructure and enable early identification of any potential supply issues or breakdowns. These are skills beyond the standard apprenticeship training manual and underline the commitment and learnings Jacob has undertaken in his own time. His supervisor Darran Bright said that Jacob had matured into a key team member with a drive to be successful in all facets of the job.
2018 Industry Winner - Engineering
Tristan Jackson
Cert 3 in Engineering & Mechanical Trade
RTO: TAFE SA
Employed by G J Dix & Sons
Tristian is a classic example of persistence and determination winning out in the long run. He started at GJ Dix as general hand in the foundry. It was hot dirty work but he persevered and showed an interest in all that was going on around him. His positive attitude and work ethic combined with pestering his employers for an apprenticeship despite his age, eventually won the day. His career path has had many ups and downs, but Tristan has clearly found his niche at GJ Dix & Sons. His willingness to learn, innovate and embrace change has seen him redesign programs to improve production efficiencies, manage other workers and become a valuable team leader within the time-honoured Renmark engineering business.
2018 Industry Winner - Hairdressing
Tahlia Price
Cert 3 in Hairdressing
RTO: Clip Joint Education
Employed by Jarahs Hair Salon
Yet another rising star produced by the team Jarahs Hairdressing. Tahlia has developed her own client list and has dedicated to up-skilling herself throughout her apprenticeship. Once qualified, Tahlia plans to stay in the Riverland for the foreseeable future, although the chance to take her skills to the world and satisfy her appetite for travel is part of her long-term goal. Tahlia’s development has won the trust of management and colleagues. Quite often the senior team will refer clients to Tahlia in their absence as they know she will never let the customer down. She has a great work ethic and is always willing to stay back and assist workmates when required.
2018 School Based Apprentice of the Year - Winner
Dominique Cabucos
School: Glossop High School
Industry: C3 in Engineering
Employer: JMA Engineering
RTO: TAFE SA Berri
Dominique completed Year 12 at Glossop High School in 2018. He commenced a School Based Apprenticeship in Engineering Fabrication with JMA Engineering. Dominique is described as having an impressive attitude towards learning and skills improvement.
2018 School Based Apprentice of the Year - Runner Up
Kate Bacskai
School: Glossop High School
Industry: C3 in Hairdressing
Employer: Jarahs Hair
RTO: Clip Joint Education
Kate has completed Year 12 at Glossop High School in 2018. She has been undertaking a School Based Traineeship in Hairdressing with Jarahs.
2018 School Based Trainee of the Year - Winner
Sophie Taylor
School: Waikerie High School
Industry: C3 Individual Support and Ageing
Employer: Barmera Health Services
RTO: MADEC
Sophie studied Year 11 at Waikerie High School in 2018. She commenced a School Based Traineeship in Aged Care working for Barmera Health Service. She is described as having great potential to work in the Health Industry.
2018 School Based Trainee of the Year - Runner Up
Joshua Villanueva
School: Glossop High School
Industry: C4 Information Technology
Employer: Glossop High School Governing Council
RTO: TAFE SA Berri
Joshua completed Year 12 at Glossop High School in 2018. He commenced a School Based Apprenticeship studying Certificate 4 in Information Technology – Networking working at Glossop High School.
2018 Vocational Educational Student of the Year - Winner
Sydney Searle
School: Loxton High School
Vocation: C3 Micro Business Operations, C3 Retail Services
RTO: TAFE SA Berri
Sydney completed Year 12 at Loxton High School in 2018. During the year, she completed Certificate 3 in Micro Business and Operations as well as Certificate 3 in Retail. As an acting Sergeant in the Air Force Cadets, Sydney has also completed her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and is now working towards her Silver. Sydney’s goal is to join the Australian Defence Force as well as completing a Degree in Business.
2018 Vocational Educational Student of the Year - Runner Up
Aliki Babaniotis
School: Renmark High School
Vocation: C4 Ageing Support
RTO: MADEC
Aliki completed Year 12 at Renmark High School in 2018. She completed Certificate 3 and 4 in Individual Support and Ageing and is employed part time as a Direct Care Worker. Aliki has been accepted to study Bachelor of Nursing at Flinders University in 2019.
2018 Vocational Educational Student of the Year Post School - Winner
Samantha Issom
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
RTO: TAFE SA
When you meet Samantha, you can’t help but be impressed. Underneath a quiet exterior burns a steely resolve to improve the lives of children. Her working life has renewed vigour and purpose after she took on encouragement to build up her CV with a Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care. Her role at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit in Berri is as diverse as it is busy. Her Workplace Practice Coordinator Kylie Stephens says she is a natural, demonstrating a warmth and empathy with clients while always adhering to the highest professional standards.
2018 Vocational Educational Student of the Year Post School - Runner Up
Jasmine Evans
Cert 3 in Early Childhood Education
RTO: TAFE SA
Jasmine had firm ideas on working in the early childhood sector and after completing year 12 set her sights on gaining the appropriate qualifications while remaining in the Riverland. After completing a Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care to a high standard, she was offered a position at Renmark Children’s Centre. Her employer Gayle Hanson says her welcoming nature, commitment and dedication is of a high standard in their workplace. Jasmine says she loves working with children and the opportunity to pursue her career path while staying in Renmark provided her with the best of both worlds.
