Town hall trainee, mechanical apprentices win at MTE SA awards

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A town hall trainee and two apprentice mechanics are among a dozen model employees who have been recognised at this year’s MTE SA awards.

At a glittering ceremony at the Bridges Events Centre on Friday night, Murray Bridge events staffer Shannen Holmes took out one of the top awards: trainee of the year.

Ms Holmes recently completed a Certificate III in Events at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre.

The award’s judges praised her work ethic, people-first approach, initiative, enthusiasm for learning and willingness to support her team.

“Her people-first approach has greatly improved customer experience, resulted in high satisfaction and repeat business,” event MC Stacey Lee said.

“Shannen consistently shows strong initiative, arriving early … her professionalism, commitment to excellent service and willingness to support her team make her an invaluable asset.”

Ms Holmes thanked her colleagues for supporting her through the traineeship.

“What an amazing learning opportunity it has been with the Rural City of Murray Bridge,” she said.

“I truly appreciate all your support.”

Another 12 awards were handed out on the night, which turned out to be a big one for the team at Chapman Heavy Mechanical.

The winner of the night’s other big gong, the apprentice of the year award, was mechanic Joshua Gilbert.

The judges described him as “a hard-working, honest and reliable team member who takes pride in completing high-quality work” who was known for his punctuality and strong work ethic.

“His ability to ask insightful questions and provide clear instructions ensures smooth operations and a positive work environment, showcasing his growing expertise in the industry,” Ms Lee said.

Another of Chapman’s apprentice mechanics, Danny Hopkins, was named the school-based apprentice of the year.

After growing up rebuilding engines with his dad, the part-time Unity College year 12 student started a Certificate III with the Tailem Bend-based business in 2023.

He had a positive attitude and commitment to learning, Ms Lee said.

“He’s known for his punctuality, strong work ethic and willingness to help colleagues, often working overtime during school holidays,” she said.

Other award winners on the night included:

• School-based trainee of the year: Tom Harvey, a Unity College student completing his Certificate III in Rural Operations with sheep and cereal operation Poole Farms, at Sherlock; “he has a passion for farming and it shines through his work”
• Full-time employee of the year: Joshua Michelmore, a plumber with Haig and Menzel Contractors in Murray Bridge, “a motivated and diligent leader who ensures projects run smoothly, on time and on budget”
• Chair’s award – apprentice: Malakai Wanganeen, an apprentice wall and ceiling liner with who had become one of the most trusted team members at Exclusive Linings, reading and interpreting plans correctly and presenting well
• Chair’s award – trainee: Tania Briggs, a trainee support worker with family-owned agency Shining Star Support Services, at Mannum; “she consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, building strong professional relationships … she’s the first to volunteer when a shift needs filling”
• Engineering/mechanical trades excellence: Charlie Pearce, a young apprentice fabricator with Moore Engineering in Murray Bridge who had become a standout in her trade, producing “exceptional, high quality work” and teaching older colleagues a thing or two about welding
• Building trades excellence: Jordan Boyce, a carpenter with Murray Bridge-based Response Building Group, “a vibrant and likeable individual” who had excelled while balancing his apprenticeship with his family life
• Third-year apprentice of the year: Sidney Butcher, an electrical apprentice with Remote Air Services, based in Adelaide; “she excels in electrical work, solar systems and air conditioning, consistently surpassing expectations” in a male-dominated field
• Second-year apprentice of the year: Jake Bean, an apprentice bricklayer with Adelaide’s Prime Brick and Stone, and someone who “stands out for his commitment to and passion” for his work
• First-year apprentice of the year: Hannah Tiver, another apprentice electrician with Remote Air Services, “a dedicated and reliable professional who values continuous learning and growth” and strives to encourage more women to consider careers in the trades

Murray Bridge-based spray painting and panel beating business Eastside Auto Body was given an award for excellence in workplace health and safety.

Several other employers were honoured for their long-term association with MTE SA: builder Stuart Grundy, Moore Mechanical and Duttons Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Ram for 20 years; Remote Air Services for 10 years; and Response Building Group and Ronco Motors for five years.

About 300 people attended Friday night’s award ceremony at the Bridges Event Centre at Gifford Hill.

Among the guest speakers was state Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven, who emphasised the importance of apprentices and trainees amid South Australia’s skills shortage.

The businesses which hired apprentices and trainees were not only addressing their own needs, she said, but helping their employees and the state as well – “thank you”.

MTE SA has placed more than 3700 trainees, apprentices and labour hire workers with employers in the Murraylands and around South Australia since 1997.

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Disclosure: The author attended the awards as a guest of MTE SA.