Swinburne’s Melinda Lethbridge named the 2014 Australian Apprentice of the Year
In Summary
Croydon-based fitter and turner Melinda Lethbridge has been awarded the title of Australian Apprentice of the Year, at a ceremony held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday 21 November.
Ms Lethbridge, 21, completed her Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade at Swinburne’s Croydon campus and now works as a Fitter and Machinist at Hargo Engineering based in Croydon.
Ms Lethbridge'S fascination with how things work, and hands on approach to life, is what led her to a career in Fitting and Machining.
“I began my apprenticeship the day after my final VCE exam. I’ve always been fascinated with how things work and found that an apprenticeship in Fitting and Machining provided a good balance between mental challenges and hands on work,” Ms Lethbridge said.
Working within what is predominately a male dominated trade, Ms Lethbridge is a passionate advocate for the promotion of apprenticeships in manufacturing as a career pathway, especially for young women.
Ms Lethbridge is a Young Industry ambassador, this year she placed first in the regional finals of World Skills Australia, was awarded the title of Swinburne Apprentice of the Year in 2011 and again 2013, and earlier this year won the 2014 Victorian Apprentice of the year Award.
For more information on the Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade