TORGAS Celebrates 26th Annual Awards Night

On Friday 18th June, TORGAS the Apprentice and Trainee Specialists celebrated its 26th Annual Awards Night.
Ninety-six finalists were recognised for their success and achievements over the past year. Thirty-one awards were presented, including the prestigious Owen T Jones TORGAS Queensland Apprentice of the Year, which was won by Mackay's TORGAS Apprentice of the Year Vladimir Nikolic.

Vladimir completed a Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical (Diesel Fitting). Vladimir began his TORGAS apprenticeship hosted by Cummins, where he was selected to be apart of the Cummins South Pacific Apprenticeship Taskforce in 2007. Validimir completed the last twelve months of his apprenticeship hosted by Komatsu at Ensham Mine and is still working with Komatsu as a tradesman in Mackay. Vladimir's approach to his apprenticeship has always been positive and enthusiastic. His training record book is impressive and he demonstrated all the qualities of an outstanding apprentice. Vladimir was also named the 2010 Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year at the Manufacturing Skills Queensland Awards held in May.

Mitchell Roberts who is undertaking a Certificate III in Engineering - Boilermaking was named TORGAS Townsville Apprentice of the Year. Mitchell hosted by Bohle Hydraulics completed his off-the-job training early giving him the opportunity to concentrate on the on-the-job competencies, this has also seen Mitchell progress early in his apprenticeship.

Lochlin McKean an Auto Specalists apprentice was named the TORGAS Brisbane Apprentice of the Year. Lochlin progressed through his entire apprenticeship with great dedication. Hosted by MTU Detroit Diesel where he has become a major part of the after sales team. Lochlin was named the 2009 Commercial Vehicle Industry Automotive Queensland Apprentice of the Year. Locklin is looking forward to furthering his education through additional training.

Ross Hooper an Irrigation Trainee hosted by Realistic Reticulation was named TORGAS Trainee of the Year. Ross a mature age trainee relocated from Gympie to take up a traineeship with TORGAS. The Awards Night was a double celebration with the birth of his baby daughter who was only eight days old attending the gala event.

Winners & their Host Businesses for 2009

The 26th Annual TORGAS Awards Night would not be possible without the generous support from our valued sponsors.   Platinum Sponsors Manufacturing Skills Queensland Sunsuper Diamond Sponsors Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE Careers Australia Institute of Training Constructions Skills Queensland Kwik Kopy Townsville Gold Sponsors Blackwoods Queensland Apprenticeship Services Department of Education & Training Queensland Silver Sponsors ANZ Bank  Parry Nissan       BUSS [Q] Building Super   Roberts Nehmer McKee    Corporate Traveller  Snap on Tools    CVIAQ  Tony Ireland - Townsville    HIA - Housing Industry Association             Prize Sponsors Autobarn  King of Knives  Robin's Kitchen    Frenwick  K Print Promotional Products  Toolquip  Glanford Tools  Locker Group  Townsville Castle Hill Lions Club  Heatcraft  MM Electrical Merchandising Electrical & Data Suppliers       Other Sponsors Southbank Rydges Talkin Audio