This is the inaugural Apprentice of the Year and we had some fantastic entries. Although the winner was a standout for the judges these finalists are at the top of their game.
Elly Brake
Eblen Collision Repairs SA, Age 19
Elly, a first-year apprentice in automotive refinishing, has quickly proven herself as a standout talent in the industry, making her a deserving finalist for the Apprentice of the Year Award. Since joining the team, Elly’s calm demeanour, exceptional communication skills, and passion for cars have made a remarkable impact. Her artistic flair and strong work ethic, coupled with maturity beyond her years, have earned her the respect of her more experienced peers.
"She has shown dedication to her professional development pursuing additional training, including I-CAR certification, outside regular hours.”
Despite being early in her apprenticeship, Elly has demonstrated an impressive level of technical proficiency, often taking on tasks like painting panels and contributing significantly to the paint team. She has shown dedication to her professional development by pursuing additional training, including I-CAR certification, outside regular hours.
Elly’s resilience is evident in her ability to overcome challenges, including health issues, while consistently contributing as a team player. Her willingness to assist with tasks beyond her role, such as vehicle packing and cleanup, reflects her strong commitment to the workplace.
Recently, Elly represented her company at the Adelaide Employment and Trades Expo, promoting the automotive industry to young people, especially women. Her focus on safety, ensuring proper health precautions in the workshop, further highlights her potential for a long and successful career in the industry.
Dominic Borg
North Shore BMW Bodyshop NSW, age 19
Dom, a third-year apprentice spray painter at North Shore BMW Bodyshop, has demonstrated remarkable personal and professional growth throughout his apprenticeship, making him a deserving finalist for this award. Initially shy and hesitant to ask questions, Dom’s journey has been one of transformation. Over the past two years, he has found his voice and confidence, enabling him to contribute valuable insights and ideas for improving workshop processes.
Dom’s enthusiasm for learning is evident in his eagerness to share new techniques from TAFE with his team. His willingness to assist across trades and his dedication to improving efficiency have been invaluable to the workshop. Notably, Dom now resprays vehicles without supervision and is mentoring junior apprentices, showcasing his leadership potential.
His commitment extends beyond regular duties; Dom often starts work before TAFE or stays back to ensure tasks are completed. His honesty, work ethic, and passion for delivering high-quality results have contributed to a positive workplace culture and customer satisfaction.
Dom’s contributions have played a key role in the team’s success, with the bodyshop earning accolades such as the Best Safety Award (2021), Best New Dealer Owned Shop (2021), Manager of the Year (2022), and Best Dealer Owned Shop (2023).
Jack Stein
Winter & Taylor Panels (AMA Collision) VIC, Age 20
Jack, a second-year paint apprentice at Winter & Taylor Panels, has quickly become known for his kind nature, dedication, and willingness to tackle any challenge. His enthusiasm for growth as a painter is evident in his proactive approach to seeking feedback and continuously improving his skills. Jack stands out as a reliable team player, always the first to lend a hand to both his tradesmen and colleagues, demonstrating his strong commitment to teamwork and camaraderie.
Beyond the workshop, Jack’s efforts have earned him a nomination for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award at The Gordon trade school. This recognition highlights his dedication to excellence and his unwavering determination to succeed, qualities that set him apart as an exceptional apprentice with a bright future ahead in the painting industry.
Jack’s journey at Winter & Taylor Panels has been marked by significant growth. Starting with mastering job sheets and industry terminology, he has since progressed to practical skills such as masking, prepping panels, and mastering sandpaper types. His development has advanced to applying primer, colour matching, and honing his polishing abilities. Jack’s comprehensive exposure to the painting process has provided him with a solid foundation, positioning him for continued success in the industry.
Benson Cassidy
Sheen Panel Service VIC, Age 24
Benson, a standout apprentice at the Sheen Group, has consistently demonstrated a remarkable commitment to his trade and team. Now in his second year as an apprentice panel technician, Benson’s dedication is evident in his meticulous approach to daily housekeeping, where he efficiently plans his work schedule and ensures all necessary resources are in place for a smooth repair process. Known for his willingness to assist his co-workers, Benson takes on various responsibilities, from helping with repairs and detailing to moving vehicles and performing quality control. He also encourages and mentors a fellow apprentice, showcasing his leadership skills.
Benson’s success speaks for itself. He was nominated for the Sheen Apprentice of the Year in his first year and exceeded expectations by completing his first-year coursework two months ahead of schedule. Currently, he is in the final stages of building his first home with his fiancée, all while excelling in his role at Sheen.
Benson’s hunger for learning and problem-solving, combined with his consistent work ethic and teamwork, make him a key member of the team. His sacrifices as a mature-aged apprentice, balancing family and work, underscore his dedication to the industry and his bright future as a panel technician.
Courtney-Anne Thurgood
Tony Farrugia Bodyworks ACT, Age 23
Courtney-Anne, a second-year spray-painting apprentice, has quickly distinguished herself as a top-tier talent in her field. Responsible for painting full car bodies and intricate car parts, Courtney’s skills extend from expertly mixing coating liquids to applying even, durable finishes that consistently meet or exceed client expectations. Whether working on high-end cars or unique restoration projects, she demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and creativity, which sets her apart.
Her success is evident both in the workshop and at TAFE, where she consistently outperforms her peers. Courtney’s passion for the automotive industry shines through in every task, and she is known for her work ethic – often working unsupervised, with exceptional results in colour matching and precision. She rarely takes time off, even when ill, showing her dedication to her craft.
Courtney’s future aspirations are clear: she aims to continue working on prestigious vehicles and eventually transition into restoration, where her creativity and technical skills can flourish. With her impressive performance, she’s already at the skill level of much more experienced professionals. Her contributions to the industry go beyond her day-to-day work; she also attends industry events like the ACIA stand at Summernats, giving back to the community she loves. Courtney is truly in a league of her own.