Please note: Biographical information for each of the scholarship winners is listed from the time they were presented with their scholarships.
2009 Scholarship winners
JOSEPH ATKINSON
Automotive Technician, Point Lonsdale near Geelong, Victoria
Scholarship provided by Gordon Institute TAFE College. He attended Gordon Institute Tafe College completing his apprenticeship in 2008. He is employed by Smiths of Geelong a premier Holden Dealership. Joseph has been awarded several achievements including, Best first year apprentice in 2007, Inaugural Geoff Wiseman Encouragement Award in 2008, Best third year automotive apprentice in 2009.
His interests include being a volunteer and board member at the Bellarine Railway, a preserved tourist railway operating between Drysdale and Queenscliff. He was involved in a major overhaul of a steam locomotive receiving special recognition for his contribution to the restoration. Joseph's objective's are to futher develop his trade and interpersonal skills along with learning the manner in which apprentices are trained in TAFE equivalent colleges.
He is hoping to go to the UK and also visit suppliers throughout Europe.
TARA DAVIS
Chef from Wodonga, Victoria
Scholarship provided by VOFA, Victorian Overseas Foundation Association, the past winners association.
Attended Wodonga TAFE College completing her apprenticeship in 2006. Tara is employed as Sous Chef at Source Dining, Albury a fine dining restaurant which has gained many of its own awards.
Tara has achieved the the following awards, most outstanding apprentice 2007, Gold medal WorldSkills Regional competition, Silver Medal National WorldSkills 2008. Supports her local community through activities such as 'Jeans for Genes day', Red Shield appeal and Pink Ribbon day mainly through her work.
Tara has always wanted to take her skills overseas to the UK and Europe where she can showcase them, whilst experiencing and learning from some of the best restaurants of the world. Ultimately she strives to be the best chef that she is capable of, and when necessary push herself out of her , comfort zone and test her limits.
CODY GIBB
Chef from Geelong, Victoria
Scholarship provided by G-Force Geelong. Attended Gordon TAFE College completing his apprenticeship in 2007. Cody is employed as Sous Chef at Lamby's Bar and Restaurant, Geelong, a creative and innovative restaurant.
Cody achieved the following awards, in 2006 competed in the Victorian Tafe apprentice cook of the year finals achieving second place and silver medal, 2007 competed in Victorian Tafe team Culinary Challenge being awarded the silver medal, plus achieving the award for the best desert, 2007 best third year apprentice, 2007 nominated for the most outstanding apprentice of the year for the Gordon Institute. His interests are football, boxing, basketball and cooking for friends.
His passion for cooking has already taken him to Nottingham, England where he is working with his idol and favourite chef Sat Bains at his signature one Michelin star restaurant for one month, and then onto Noma Restaurant Copenhagen, Denmark the number three restaurant in the World also for one month. From these experiences and using his contacts, Cody is hoping to obtain a position at a premier European restaurant gaining further knowledge of molecular gastronomy.
Rachael has achieved the following awards, 2009 Australian Apprentice of the Year that covers all trades and industries plus many apprentice of the year awards throughout her apprenticeship. Her interests include, Family Bushwalkers group (FBI) with a highlight walking over the Rob Roy Ranges near Canberra, attends most of RSPCA's charity and promotional days with her staffordshire puppy. Participated in a promotional video titled 'GET IT' Productions featuring 'Chicks in the Trade' a promotional take covering girls and the benefits of completing an apprenticeship. Rachael also participates in industry promotional and awareness talks to school children and school leavers through the Master Builders association.
Rachael's passion is learning and being the 'best at what you do'. With this as her motto, she plans on selecting a country where she can gain the optimal knowledge and experience to learn and contribute to others.
PATRICK McMAHON
Scholarship provided by DEEWR, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Attended Petersham and Albury, TAFE Colleges NSW, plus Wodonga and Goulburn TAFE Colleges, Victoria, completing his apprenticeship in 2008. Patrick is employed by Thales Australia at their Mulwala facility NSW, as an Instrument Maker and Repairer. Thales have encouraged him to do a second apprenticeship in Electrical which he is currently completing.
Patrick has achieved the following awards; Winner Thales Australia Apprentice Award 2006, accepted award on behalf of Thales Australia at the 2006 NSW Minister's awards for Vocational and Technical Education, finalist Yarrawonga-Mulwala Rotary Club Business Excellence Awards 2006. Patrick's community involvement include being a long term member of the Springhurst Rural Fire Brigade, member of Springhurst Rural Fire Brigade running team,as well as training model aeroplane pilots as a member of Wangaratta Aeromodelers.
He wishes to proceed overseas with Thales to the UK or USA gaining experience and learning innovative procedures in his industry. Patrick aspires to become an industry leader in the field of instrumentation
GAVIN PRESS
Electrician, Kelson near Dubbo, NSW
Scholarship provided by Group Training Australia. As a Group Training apprentice he attended Western Institute, TAFE College, NSW Dubbo and Bathurst Campus' completing his apprenticeship in 2008. Gavin is employed by AJS Electrical Pty Ltd as an Electrical Installer. Among his achievements are, Ron Baker Memorial Shield 2005, Country Energy Shield 2006, Apprentice of the year at Dubbo TAFE 2007, Central West Group Apprentices' Apprentice of the Year 2009, Gold Medal WorldSkills for Electrical Installation systems 2005 and 2007, Silver Medal 2006 and Gold Medal 2008 WorldSkills National Competitions, Selected as member of Skillaroos to represent Australia at the 40th International Skills competition in Calgary, Canada in September 2009.
Two weeks ago he was selected as the NSW apprentice of the year for 2009. His commumity interests include, playing competitive Rugby League from the age of 6, participated in 'Try a Trade' for a number of years, Gavin is keen to gain experience in England, France and/or Germany. All these countries are major influences in the electrical industry in Australia. Also of interest to him is to experience the new and developing technologies that are currently available in these countries as well as meeting influential people within these countries.
2008 Scholarship winners
Rolf Barfoed
Cabinetmaker of Gowrie ACT
Matthew Ely
Jeweler of Glenmore Park NSW
Matthew Milburn
Carpenter of East Geelong Vic
Thomas Spottswood
Project Fitter from Nikenbah Qld
Christopher Whyte
Motor mechanic of Hurstbridge Vic
2007 Award Winners
Christopher Barber
Spray Painter from Nhill, Victoria. Winner of a Joint AOF/VACC scholarship. Attended Gordon Institute TAFE completing his apprenticeship to certificate level three in 2005.
Chris specialises in Automotive Crash Repair and Restoration at Nhill Paint 'N' Panel. Throughout his apprenticeship he was recognised by Gordon TAFE, as a dedicated and enthusiastic student who got on well with fellow students and has the desire to over achieve. He has many hobbies and sporting interests that include Hockey captain and coach which is a real passion of his, also water skiing, guitar, dirt bike riding and restoring cars. Chris has a desire to work in Europe where they have high standards of paint matching and quality.
Josh Lewis
Chef, Geelong, Victoria. Attended Gordon Institute TAFE completing his apprenticeship in 2006. He is employed by the highly rated Melbourne restaurant Vue De Monde.
Josh has won many awards including, VICTAFE Cookery challenge Gold Medal in the category of best desert and first place in the Daryl Cox team appernticeship culinary competition. Josh has worked in all sections of Vue De Monde gaining valuable experience. His community interests include spearfishing and music. He will be going to work in Spain where he has already received the promise of employment at a Top Ten World restaurant "Mugaritz" renowned for its commitment to perfection. Here he hopes to gain experience at a Michelin star rated restaurant.
Karl Lewis
Agricultural Diesel Mechanic, Somerville, Victoria. Winner of Joint AOF/VACC scholarsip Attended Group Training Link Employment Auto Skills Centre in Dandenong and Chisholm TAFE, where he completed his apprenticesip to certificate level three in 2005. He is employed by Paton's Machinery at Mornington.
Karl has received several awards and recognition including Occupational Health and Safety certification. His interests include Volunteer pit crew mechanic for speedway mini service plus bike riding.
Karl wants to work in Canada or the USA where the agricultural machinery industry is large.
Danny Temple
Automotive Electrician, Taree, NSW. He completed his apprenticeship certificate level three with distinction in 2006 at Tamworth TAFE. He is employed at McAlpin and Maurer Automotive in Taree.
His career achievements include Apprentice of the Year for the North Coast Region 2007, Institute of Automotive Engineers Award 2007, Gold Medalist at both the 2005 Regional and 2006 National World Skills competitions. First place at Automotive Technology SkillEx, Wellington, New Zealand. His interests include a passion for the guitar where he has been awarded prizes for Eisteddfods, plays soccer and cricket.
Danny wants to work in Germany and the UK with the leading automotive technology companies.
Kristin Weymouth
Jeweller, Essendon, Victoria. Completing her apprenticeship in 2007 at North Melbourne TAFE where she achieved certificate level three. Kristin is employed by Ken Gray and Alister Reid Gallery providing Jewellery design and manufacture.
Her career achievements include Affiliated Importers - Student Choice Award, 1st Place, World Skills Certificate of Merit 3rd place award, Jeweller's Association of Australia competitor in 2004.
Kristin's interests include participation in Jewellery Industry, NMIT student auction activities and end of year exhibitions, attends live music performances. Kristin has a desire to achieve an understanding of European art and cultural traditions and their influence on jewellery design, together with a broadening of her knowledge of the jewellery industry.
Currently overseas:
Michael Byers
Michael is an automotive technician who attended Riverina Institute Tafe NSW. He completed his apprenticeship in 2005 specialising in Citroen cars. He then went on to complete certificate IV (Automotive Light Vehicles) in 2006.
His achievements are; Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers Apprentice with the highest average mark in 2004 and 2005. Nominated for Apprentice of the Year Australia, 2005. VACC Technical Achievement Awards level one and two, 2003 and 2004. TAFE NSW Outstanding Achievement Award 2005.
Michael’s interests are playing and coaching rugby, four wheel driving and bushwalking. Michael plans to work in the UK at Citroen headquarters. Michael’s scholarship is sponsored by the Victorian Overseas Foundation Association.
Candice Furanda
Candice is a Hairdressing Stylist completing her apprenticeship in 2005 whilst studying at the renowned Taylor Weir School of Hairdressing in WA.
Her achievements are; Taylor Weir School of Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year in 2004 and 2005, WA State Winner L’Oreal Style and Shoot 2004, WorldSkills State Silver Medalist Perth going on to win the Gold Medal at the 2006 Competition in Melbourne.
Candice will be representing Australia at the WorldSkills World Competition in Japan in 2007. Candice desires to work and gain learning in Milan and the UK.
Carlie Horne
Carlie works in garment production as a Design Assistant. She attended Hunter Institute TAFE completing Certificate IV in Fashion Design, Industry Practices and Clothing Production in 2004. She then went on to complete Certificate III in Millinery plus a Diploma in Clothing Production in 2006.
Her achievements are; Gold Medal at the Hunter WorldSkills Competition for Garment Production 2005, Silver Medal at the National WorldSkills Competition, Outstanding Achievement Award, Jean Bliss Award for TAFE 2006.
Her main interests are touch football, netball and dancing. Carlie plans on working in either London and/or Paris, the leaders of fashion industry who influence the rest of the world’s fashions. Ultimately Carlie would like to open her own fashion label.
Shane Theodore
Shane is employed as a Leading Hand Carpenter Builder in Colac, Victoria. He completed his studies at the Gordon Institute TAFE Geelong in 2005.
His achievements are; 2003 Second Year Geelong Regional Apprentice of the Year, First Place at the Regional WorldSkills Competition , Third Year Geelong Regional Apprentice of the Year , First Place National WorldSkills Team Event, State Finalist in the Victorian Master Builders Awards 2005.
Shane has interests in the following; Australian Rules Football playing for Colac, also has an interest in Rugby League, scuba diving and cricket. Shane is particularly interested in developing knowledge and experience in energy efficient buildings and would like to travel overseas to a country leading in these areas.
Shane’s Scholarship is sponsored by the Geelong committee of the Victorian Overseas Foundation Association.
Matthew Tyler
Matthew is an Automotive Technician who attended Warrigal and Richmond TAFE Colleges completing his apprenticeship in 2005. His particular interest is in vehicle dynamics and engine management. His achievements are; Apprentice of the Year Award for each of his three years at TAFE, VACC Excellence Awards 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Matthew’s interests are his projects of rebuilding a 1971 Kingswood, a Kawasaki KX 250 motorbike and a XM Falcon. He performs local community work and participates in boy’s camps and other voluntary work at parish schools. Matthew is interested in gaining a position at a specialist vehicle design and build centre in the UK.
Matthew’s scholarship is sponsored by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce.
Andrew Vine
AOF Award 2005 Auto Body Repairs
Andrew completed his apprenticeship at Wollongong TAFE college, NSW in 2003 with distinction, achieving 1st place for TAFE NSW in stages 1, 2 and 3 for Autobody Repair. He achieved 1st place in both the regional and national World Skills competitions in 2003. Andew was employed in the UK with a major BMW dealership at Barrons Bodyshop at Hindhead.
Stuart Pilgrim
AOF Award 2004 Fitter Machinist & Auto Electrician
Stuart completed his apprenticeship as a Fitter Machinist and Auto Electrician in 2002 achieving 1st place in stages 1, 2 and 3 of Automotive Electrical at Wetherill Park TAFE in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Stuart was employed with Finning Corporation, a large Caterpillar dealer in Victoria, Canada.
Kate McAuslan
AOF Award 2005 Youth Services Worker
Kate completed her traineeship with Chisholm TAFE Institute in 2004. She was a finalist in the Community Services and Health Industry training awards achieving outstanding vocational student at Chisholm TAFE. Kate worked in Thailand where she was employed at the Information Office of the Foundation for Women, a Thai Non-Government organisation.
Luke Delmo
AOF Award 2005 Auto Technician
Luke served his Auto apprenticeship in Geelong, Victoria at Geelong City Motors attending Geelong's Gordon TAFE college where he gained Apprentice of the Year in 2004. Luke worded at a major Mercedes Benz dealership in Bracknell in Berkshire, England.
Nathan Day
AOF Award 2005 Furniture Making
Nathan completed his Furniture Making apprenticeship in 2001. He was a finalist in the WA Training Excellence Awards as Apprentice of the Year in 2002. Nathan was employed in the UK at Edward Barnsley, a prestigious furniture manufacturer.
Miles Henderson
Miles went onto visit Singapore and Spain whilst employed by Kaillis Jewellers in Western Australia, where he worked gaining experience and knowledge from associated companies. Upon his return to Perth, he was promoted to Workshop Supervisor.
RACHAEL KEILEY
Plumber, Canberra, ACT
Scholarship provided by DEEWR, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Attended Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) completing her apprenticeship in 2008. Rachael was employed by Custom Plumbing as an assistant estimator. She is studying Certificate 11 in business plus continueing her vocational training at CIT so as to complete her advanced gas course for Certificate 1V in Plumbing.