2022 Award Winners
2022 Apprentice of the Year - Winner
Hugo Kregar
Employed by Maxima Group Training hosted by Michael Kregar Building
RTO – ATEC Adelaide
Certificate III in Carpentry
Hugo enjoys the hands-on nature of carpentry and values the teamwork and collaboration within this chosen trade. Hugo’s commitment to achieving a broad skill set includes several additional qualifications, and he plans to pursue a career as a Construction Manager on large scale projects in the future. Hugo is a strong advocate for mental health initiatives within the construction industry.
2022 Apprentice of the Year - Runner Up
Jarah Jackson
Employed by Prestige Kitchens & Cabinets
RTO: NEVC
Certificate III in Cabinetmaking
After completing work experience, Jarah was employed as an apprentice cabinetmaker. Now a fourth-year apprentice, Jarah values the opportunity to build a strong skill set and the experience gained through working with other tradesmen. He enjoys mastering new skills and providing great outcomes for customers. Jarah intends to secure his career in the building industry by completing a leadership and management course in the future.
2022 Trainee of the Year - Winner
Cameron Dixon
Employed by MEGT hosted by Berri Regional Secondary College
RTO: Integrity Business College
Certificate III in Information Technology
The traineeship has provided Cameron with both a qualification and income, and Cameron values the opportunity to gain experience in his chosen career. He acknowledges his growth during this time and the value of the traineeship in forming part of his professional future. Cameron intends to use this experience as a pathway into University to study a Bachelor in Creative Industries.
2022 Trainee of the Year - Runner Up
Megan Bannear
Employed by Tankard Dental Riverland
RTO – TAFE SA
Certificate III in Dental Assisting
Megan has completed a Certificate III in Dental Assisting with Tankard Dental in Berri. She values the skills developed through her traineeship, and the transferability of these skills to support her ongoing career in the health industry. Megan intends to continue working part time with Tankard Dental whilst completing a nursing degree at university. Megan has earned deep personal and professional respect with her positive attitude and continues to add value to the business.
2022 Industry Winner - Automotive
Ty Glassey
Employed by Big River Toyota
RTO – TAFE SA
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
After completing work experience, Ty was offered an apprenticeship with Big River Toyota. He is currently in his final year of study. Ty intends to continue developing his skills and keep up to date with the latest technology by completing specialist training in the field. He has recently completed a Trainee Licence in Automotive Refrigeration and soon to receive his qualification.
2022 Industry Winner - CITB Building & Construction
Hugo Kregar
Employed by Maxima Group Training hosted by Michael Kregar Building
RTO: ATEC Adelaide
Certificate III in Carpentry
Hugo enjoys the hands-on nature of carpentry and values the teamwork and collaboration within this chosen trade. Hugo’s commitment to achieving a broad skill set includes several additional qualifications, and he plans to pursue a career as a Construction Manager on large scale projects in the future. Hugo is a strong advocate for mental health initiatives within the construction industry.
2022 Industry Winner - Food Processing
Liam Milton
Employed by Koch Foodland Loxton
RTO – William Angliss Institute
Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher)
Liam values the challenge of learning new skills through his apprenticeship and enjoys interaction with regular customers. His employer, Koch’s Foodland in Loxton, describes Liam as a dedicated, skilled apprentice who provides exceptional customer service. Liam plans to continue building his skills by completing further training in smallgoods production and business admin.
2022 Industry Winner - Air Conditioning/Electrical
Jordan Burgess
Employed by Devilees Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
RTO – TAFE SA
Certificate III in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
After completing work experience with Devilee’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Jordan was offered an apprenticeship. Jordan plans to complete a dual trade in the future. Jordan values the wide range of skills he is learning, and the experience gained by working on large building projects across the Riverland.
2022 Industry Winner - Hairdressing
Brooke Wilksch
Employed by Hair Factor
RTO – TAFE SA
Certificate III in Hairdressing
Brooke has completed extra training to become qualified in waxing and tinting and values the many career directions the beauty industry provides. She has shown resilience and persistence to overcome obstacles throughout her apprenticeship and values the training she has received. Brooke plans to keep up with modern trends and styles by continuing to upskill and expand her knowledge.
2022 Industry Winner - Engineering
James Bannear
Employed by Woolston Engineering
RTO – TAFE SA
Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
James values the hands-on transferable skills he has developed and enjoys problem solving to work through challenges in the workplace. James takes much pride in his work and will be supported by his employer to undertake further training in Welding and Fabrication to build his career as a quality tradesman.
2022 School Based Apprentice of the Year - Winner
Connor Ross
Berri Regional Secondary College
Employed by Barmera Hotel
RTO – TAFE SA
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Connor completed a Certificate II in Kitchen Operation and when signed up as an ASBA by the Barmera Hotel in 2022 he commenced a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. Connor values the feedback he receives on his performance and the opportunity to learn from experienced chefs. He is considered a ‘stand out student’ by his TAFE SA Lecturer, ‘with a natural aptitude for cookery.’
2022 School Based Apprentice of the Year - Runner Up
Shelley Priest
Berri Regional Secondary College
Employed by GJ Gardner Homes Riverland
RTO – TAFE SA
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
Shelley commenced an ASBA with GJ Gardner Homes, Riverland in 2021, undertaking studies in Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. Now working full time, Shelley valued the opportunity she was given to work in a trade she enjoys while completing her schooling. Shelley has developed a clear career path to achieve her goal of self-employment.
2022 School Based Trainee of the Year - Winner
Charlotte Zimmermann
Loxton High School
Employed by Riverland Veterinary Practice
RTO – TAFE SA
Certificate III in Companion Animal Service
As a School Based Trainee, Charlotte completed a Certificate III in Companion Animal Services in 2022. Her employer, Riverland Veterinary Practice was so impressed with her performance that she was offered a Traineeship in Certificate IV – Veterinary Nursing in 2023. Her enthusiasm, great work ethic and passion for animals and their welfare makes her a worthy finalist.
2022 School Based Trainee of the Year - Runner Up
Ellie Ambaras
Berri Regional Secondary College
Employed by Cobdogla Primary School
RTO – MADEC Australia
Certificate III in Education Support
Ellie’s mature, cooperative, reliable, and supportive attitude assisted her in gaining a School Based Traineeship in Certificate III in Education Support at Cobdogla Primary School in 2022. Critical and creative thinking, communication and fostering strong relationships with children and staff were skills she further developed. Her career path to be a teacher is clearly set.
2022 Vocational Educational Student of the Year - Winner
Jack Campain
Berri Regional Secondary School
RTO – MADEC Australia
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Jack completed his Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2022. His Trainer, supervising staff at Berri OSHC and Berri Childcare Centre were all impressed with his work ethic, his natural rapport with children, and concern for their emotional wellbeing. Jack plans to complete his Diploma in ECEC in Year 12, at Berri Regional Secondary College in 2023, before continuing tertiary studies to become a Primary School Teacher.
2022 Vocational Educational Student of the Year - Runner Up
Ella Britten
Loxton High School
RTO – MADEC Australia
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Completing Year 11 while in the VET in Schools Program in 2022, allowed Ella to continue her educational journey for a career with children. Ella completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, where she gained important theoretical knowledge, and improved her time management and organisational skills. She plans to complete her Diploma in Year 12, then a Degree in ECEC at Uni and graduate to work as a Preschool Teacher.
