Murraylands’ top apprentices celebrated at MTE SA awards
Check out who took the top apprentice spots in the state at the MTE emloyee excellence awards, last Friday.
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Bridges Event Centre, Gifford Hill, has come alive as MTE SA’s 2025 Employee Excellence Awards celebrated South Australia’s emerging talent across apprenticeships, traineeships and employment pathways.
The prestigious apprentice of the year accolade was awarded to Sidney Butcher of Remote Air Services for her outstanding progress as a fourth-year electrical apprentice skilled across electrical works, solar systems, and air conditioning.
Known for her strong work ethic, safety focus and problem-solving drive, Ms Butcher’s passion for hands-on, varied outdoor work set her apart.
Riley Aistrope, also from Remote Air Services, was named runner-up.
Congratulations to Riley Aistrope, Sean Keys, Cooper Schache, Jacobe Griffiths, Sophie Duell, Amber Weber, Jazz Sharrad and Brayden Hein. Photos: Glenn Power.
In the trainee of the year category, Sean Keys from St Francis de Sales College earned the top title, complemented by Cooper Schache of Moore Engineering as runner-up.
Mr Keys, with his Certificate III in Information Technology, spoke candidly about his journey: relocating interstate with his wife last year was daunting, but making a fresh start and embracing his path toward becoming a skilled ICT technician “turned out to be the best decision,” he said.
Kara Pritchard, state manager at MAS National and sponsor of the trainee of the year award, praised the importance of recognising investment in youth and skills development before presenting the accolade.
Jacobe Griffiths of Brumfield Metal Fabrication won school-based apprentice of the year, ahead of Sophie Duell of Eastside Auto Body.
In the trainee stream, Amber Weber of Outlook Bay triumphed, with Jazz Sharrad from Turf Farm Australia as runner-up.
Standouts included Taylah Page, Shane Thompson, Jordan Boyce, Reece Lovegrove, Bodi Zerk, Hannah Tiver, Estelle Lees and Cody Bannister. Photos: Glenn Power
Among trade-year excellence awards, standouts included:
- Full-time employee of the year: Taylah Page, District Council of Karoonda East Murray; runner-up Shane Thompson, Connect Cabinetry
- Third-year apprentice: Jordan Boyce, Response Building Group; runner-up Reece Lovegrove, Chapman Heavy Mechanical
- Second-year apprentice: Bodi Zerk, Haig and Menzel Contractors for his professionalism and commitment; runner-up Hannah Tiver, Remote Air Services
- First-year apprentice: Estelle Lees, Town and Country Cabinets, for her enthusiasm and newly honed craft skills; runner-up Cody Bannister, PLC Fencing
Family and guests added warmth throughout the night.
The evening culminated with spectacular confetti and standout catering, leaving the Bridges Event Centre buzzing long after formalities.
MTE SA, founded in 1997, continues its mission to deliver nationally recognised quality training, employment, and apprenticeships across South Australia.
Recognised by the federal government as a trusted group training organisation, MTE SA remains committed to powering skills development across the region.
Disclosure: The author attended the awards as a guest of MTE SA. Correction: Several names have been corrected since this story was originally published.
