Swinburne names two students as Apprentice of the Year
In Summary
For the first time, Swinburne University of Technology has named two students, Michael Brennan and Justin Stephens, as Apprentice of the Year.
The selection panel for the award were unable to differentiate between the two winning candidates, who were described as demonstrating excellent commitment and maturity towards their studies.
Michael Brennan, a third year plumbing apprentice, said the award caught him off guard.
“I had no idea I was going to win, so I was a bit shocked and even had shaky legs on stage,” Mr Brennan said.
“I’ve always been hands on and I’ve ended up loving plumbing, so I’m glad I came to Swinburne to study it.”
Fellow Apprentice of the Year, Justin Stephens, a third year fitting and machining apprentice, said the award gave him more confidence in his work.
“It was a surprise to win, but it’s also quite a proud moment. It’s a great recognition for work I really enjoy doing,” Mr Stephens said.
“I’m hoping to one day take over the family business and undertake further studies, but at the moment, I’m hoping to continue getting more and more on-the-job experience.”
In 2014, Swinburne’s Apprentice of the Year, Melina Lethbridge, went on to become the Australian Apprentice of the Year.
The Swinburne Apprentice of the Year awards is an annual event that recognises Swinburne’s highest achieving apprentices and was this year sponsored by the Rotary Club of Boronia.