A fitter and turner who completed his apprenticeship with Ai Group Apprentice & Trainee Centre (Ai Group ATC) was named Apprentice of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony last night.
Bryce Noble, pictured above, received the honour at the Apprenticeship Employment Network Annual Awards in Melbourne.
Fellow Ai Group ATC apprentice Nicholas Papakalodous also enjoyed recognition at last night’s awards.
Nicholas, below left, was a finalist for the OHS Star award — but ultimately missed out on the top prize.
Russell Gambling, Ai Group ATC Employment Training Consultant, said he was delighted for Bryce, who completed his apprenticeship in November last year.
During that time, Bryce, 20, was hosted to ARB and rotated to Monash University and Marand Precision Engineering.
“We were extremely proud of Bryce for his dedication to his craft throughout his apprenticeship,” Mr Gambling said.
“Bryce acknowledged throughout his apprenticeship the value of Group Training and the support he received. He maintained a professional, mature and positive attitude the whole way through and has gained a lot of respect from his peers for the effort he put into achieving his qualification.”
Bryce, who enjoys working on cars, making tools for the family business and repairing old machinery, said Ai Group ATC’s support motivated him to complete his trade during Victoria’s COVID lockdown restrictions.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, I was a third-year apprentice working in a workshop that relied heavily on the education sector,” he said.
“With the closure of all educational institutions, the workload dramatically reduced and the host company I was employed through stood down all staff until further notice.
“I was definitely relieved when Ai Group ATC had several potential employers for me and even more so when I successfully interviewed at Marand.
“Group Training Organisations provide a sense of security for apprentices like me who find themselves in a scenario similar to mine.
“I am thankful for having it as an option, that's for sure. I'd recommend using Ai Group ATC to anyone considering an apprenticeship.”
Bryce said completing his apprenticeship had boosted his confidence and taught him the value of patience.
“As a high school student, I tended to rush things just to get tasks completed and over with as soon as possible,” he said.
“However, as an engineering apprentice, both at work and trade school, I was encouraged to simply slow down and complete the task to the best possible standard rather than as fast as possible.
“Precision metal work requires patience and attention to detail. My supervisors regularly commented on how impressed they were with the quality of work I delivered.
“I feel like I’ve joined, or become a member, of a community of trade engineers.”
Another bonus is dipping his toe in the Advanced Manufacturing sector.
“There is a lot to learn in manufacturing and engineering where new technologies and innovation are constantly evolving,” Bryce said.
“I have made the initial steps to enter this industry, and with ongoing training and self-development, I can envisage many prosperous years ahead.
“I cannot possibly speak any higher of the experience I’ve had so far as an apprentice, and I always encourage people I encounter in relation to careers to consider an apprenticeship as an option.”
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
