Apprentice Awards

Apprentices are the future of the glass and window industry. They play an integral role and make an enormous contribution to the businesses that employ them. By recognising the best apprentices at both state and national levels, we indicate to apprentices and as an industry, that professional trades people are highly valued. The annual Apprentice Awards aim to recognise excellence and honour their achievements.

The AGWA Apprentice Awards are first judged and awarded at a state level. The National Apprentice of the Year will be awarded to the highest scoring apprentice in the assessment of practical and theoretical skills.

Following on from 2020, the Apprentice Awards have been separated out from the Industry Awards umbrella and expanded. State categories in 2021 were:

  • Rising Star Award: This award is presented to an outstanding apprentice within the first or second year of their apprenticeship who consistently demonstrates quality workmanship. To be eligible for this award the apprentice must have been 21 or younger when they commenced their apprenticeship.
  • Commercial Apprentice Award: This award is presented to a third or fourth year apprentice who demonstrates a high level of capability in commercial fabrication or installation work.
  • Residential Apprentice Award: This award is presented to a third or fourth year apprentice who demonstrates a high level of capability in residential fabrication or installation work. 

The recipients of the State Apprentice of the Year Award are apprentices who demonstrate the highest level of capability and quality workmanship out of all candidates from their state.

To be eligible for this award the apprentice must have been 21 or younger when they commenced their apprenticeship and must not have completed their apprenticeship before 1 June 2020.

Each winner from this category goes forward as the state entry for the National Apprentice of the Year Award.

The National Apprentice of the Year Award will be awarded to the highest scoring State Apprentice of of the Year in the assessment of practical and theoretical skills.

2021 National Apprentice of the Year Winner

Michael O'Rourke

Protec Aluminium & Glazing
Lidcombe TAFE

Michael is employed by Protec Aluminium and Glazing in Milperra, New South Wales, and attends Lidcombe TAFE, where he is the current TAFE NSW Glass and Glazing Apprentice of the Year. He has shown great leadership skills and has a great attendance record. Growing up in the industry with a father who is a Master Glazer, Michael was inspired to join Protec four years ago. Working at Protec has allowed him to learn all aspects of glass and he has become an important part of the team and a highly skilled tradesman.

Congratulations to Michael O'Rourke, winner:

  • 2021 National Apprentice of the Year Award
  • 2021 New South Wales Apprentice of the Year Award
  • 2021 New South Wales Commercial Apprentice Award

2021 New South Wales Commercial Apprentice Award Winner

Michael O'Rourke

Protec Aluminium & Glazing
Lidcombe TAFE

Michael is employed by Protec Aluminium and Glazing in Milperra, New South Wales, and attends Lidcombe TAFE, where he is the current TAFE NSW Glass and Glazing Apprentice of the Year. He has shown great leadership skills and has a great attendance record. Growing up in the industry with a father who is a Master Glazer, Michael was inspired to join Protec four years ago. Working at Protec has allowed him to learn all aspects of glass and he has become an important part of the team and a highly skilled tradesman.

Congratulations Michael, winner:

  • 2021 National Apprentice of the Year Award
  • 2021 New South Wales Apprentice of the Year Award
  • 2021 New South Wales Commercial Apprentice Award

2021 Queensland Commercial Apprentice Award

Reece Green

G.James

Reece works for G.James Glass and Aluminium in Woodridge, Queensland, and completed his studies with them in December, 2020. He was always enthusiastic about learning new things and then putting them into practice. Reece started working with G.James in manufacturing, but was soon drawn to the variety and challenges in working with glass so happily accepted his apprenticeship when it was offered to him. He particularly enjoys the challenging jobs that require problem solving. He has a high level of concentration and application and is regularly sought after by other teams within the company. Reece has been highly commended by his teachers and employers.

Congratulations Reece.

2021 Tasmania Commercial Apprentice Award Winner

Abby Bolt-Smith

CWD Custom Windows
TasTAFE

Abby works for CWD Custom Windows in Derwent Park and attends TasTAFE. Abby enjoyed both art and woodwork/creative materials at school and this love of creativity and working with her hands drew her to a career in glazing. She enjoys working with different types of glass and glazing systems. At TAFE she has shown excellent communication skills and promotes working safely. Her employer feels she has an excellent eye for detail, is always ready to take new tasks and produces quality work, which has gained her respect in this male-dominated industry.

Congratulations Abby.

2021 Victoria Commercial Apprentice Award Winner

Harrison Meade

MDMK Glass & Aluminium
Holmesglen Institute of TAFE

Harrison works at MDMK Glass and Aluminium at Yarrawonga and attends Holmesglen TAFE. He has shown high levels of skill in the work he has done, both while at TAFE and at work. He is always well prepared for each job and keenly aware of policies and procedures. Working at MDMK has allowed him to work in both residential and commercial locations both fabricating and installing. He has become an asset to them and helps other employees who call on him. He is a self-starter and highly motivated.

Congratulations Harrison.

2021 Western Australia Commercial Apprentice Award Winner

Zak Tanner

Guthrie Glass & Aluminium
North Metropolitan TAFE

Zak works for Guthrie Glass & Aluminium in Kelmscott, Western Australia, and attends North Metropolitan TAFE. He was drawn to glazing from his first day of work experience at school. He liked that it involved attention to detail and was also hands-on. He is a true leader within his TAFE course and does excellent work in both theory and practical assessments. At his workplace, Zak has shown great commitment to his work as well as a great attitude. His employers are certain that he will become a fantastic tradesperson as he is a quick learner and works well with others in the team.

Congratulations Zak, winner:

  • 2021 Western Australia Apprentice of the Year Award
  • 2021 Western Australia Commercial Apprentice Award

2021 Queensland Residential Apprentice Award Winner

Matthew Jackson

G.James

Matthew works with G.James Glass and Aluminium at Urangan and studies with them also. He knew from a young age that he wanted to work with his hands and get satisfaction from seeing a finished product. He found this with the glass industry which he finds super challenging but super rewarding. He also has a customer-focused attitude which shows through all the work he does. In his studies he is an outstanding student, eager to participate with an excellent attention to detail. He has an incredible work ethic, which makes him strive to the top with persistence.

Congratulations Matthew.

2021 Tasmania Residential Apprentice Award Winner

Daniel Gofton

Kingborough Glazing
TasTAFE

Daniel is employed Kingborough Glazing, Huntingfield, and studied at TasTAFE. He grew up in the glass and glazing industry due to his family owing a glazing business. He was naturally attracted to the architectural use of glass and the diversity of the industry offering so many opportunities for the use of different skills. In his studies, Daniel showed a natural ability to grasp new ideas quickly and to be highly productive while keeping safety at the forefront. He has also completed other studies, including courses on AS 1288 and AS 2047. Most recently he completed AGWA’s Intermediate Fenestration course and became a Foundation Glazier with AGWA. Daniel always produces high quality work and has received excellent feedback from customers. He displays leadership skills and has the ability to express his ideas and offer alternative solutions. His employers see him becoming an important presence in the glass and glazing industry.

Congratulations Daniel.

  • Joint 2021 Tasmania Apprentice of the Year
  • 2021 Tasmania Residential Apprentice Award

2021 Western Australia Residential Apprentice Award Winner

Andrew Biggs

Glass Co Metro
North Metropolitan TAFE

Andrew works for Glass Co Metro in Canning Vale, Western Australia, and studies at North Metropolitan TAFE. He has become a natural leader and was voted MVP Employee of the Year in 2020. He is a fantastic student and is able to complete all tasks on time and to a very high standard. He helps other students when he sees they need help, which his teachers appreciate very much. Andrew's employer feels that he sets the standard for all other apprentices to follow. He has a thirst for knowledge and works to the highest standard and provides valuable input into continuous improvement projects. He can keep track of multiple jobs, is dependable and a pleasure to work with.

Congratulations Andrew.

Rising Star Award Winners

 

2021 New South Wales Rising Star Award Winner

Tuafale Aiomalaga

Evolution Window Systems
Lidcombe TAFE

Tuafale works for Evolution Window Systems, St Marys, New South Wales, and studies at Lidcombe TAFE. He became interested in glass and glazing through his Metal and Engineering class at school. He accepted a job at Evolution and was soon rewarded with an apprenticeship. Tuafale is always very enthusiastic and keen to learn as much as possible. He has a good grasp of manufacturing, paperwork, fabricating reports and drawings. He shows both intelligence and flexibility in his work and is an excellent representative of the company.

Congratulations Tuafale.

2021 Queensland Rising Star Award Winner

Zander Cannon

Coast & Hinterland Glass & Aluminium
Gimbal Training

Zander works for Coast and Hinterland Glass and Aluminium, Caloundra West, Queensland, and studies at Gimbal Training. Since he was a young boy playing with Lego, he always enjoyed working with his hands and the sense of achievement at creating things drew him to a job he saw advertised. After doing some research on CHGA, he realized this was the ideal job and industry for him. In his studies, Zander has shown a ‘can do’ attitude and a passion for what he does that is rare in a young person. He is a fast learner and will try his hand at anything. His employers say that he excels at every task, and this has earned him involvement in projects that a first/second year apprentice normally wouldn’t be involved in. He shows problem solving skills, attention to detail and uses initiative and is about 6-12 months ahead of his other first year colleagues.

Congratulations Zander.

2021 Tasmania Rising Star Award Winner

Kayden Bremner

Woodhouse Glass & Glazing
TasTAFE

Kayden works for Woodhouse Glass and Glazing in Ulverstone and studies at TasTAFE. He was drawn to the industry after doing work experience at school and realizing there was such a wide variety of products. He is a very good student with an excellent work ethic and attention. He takes pride in his work and always follows WHS, reminding others to do the same. His employers love his work ethic, saying he is never idle. He has the ability to see what needs to be done without having to be told. He has great attention to detail and has impressed everyone.

Congratulations Kayden.

2021 Victoria Rising Star Award Winner

Ehab Khanyari

Merri Aluminium & Auto Doors
Holmesglen Institute of TAFE

Ehab works for Merri Aluminium and Auto Doors in Warrnambool, Victoria, and studies at Holmesglen Institute of TAFE. A variety of work attracted Ehab to the industry when he started with Merri at 16 years old. He loves that he learns something new every day. He is a very good student, who shows motivation and self-management and never shies away from errors which he sees as an ability to learn and grow. His employers believe he shows maturity, attention to detail and a fantastic work ethic, and see him as a potential future leader. He has become an important part of the team and are proud of his achievements.

Congratulations Ehab.

2021 Western Australia Rising Star Award Winner

Harlem Stirling

Jason Windows
North Metropolitan TAFE

Harlem works for Jason Windows in Welshpool, Western Australia, and studies at North Metropolitan TAFE. He was drawn to the industry because it is constantly evolving which means that there is always something new to learn and offers a very exciting future. In his studies he is very diligent and works to complete tasks at a very high level while still working to time. His employers say he aligns perfectly to their core values of teamwork, trust, taking responsibility and total commitment. He has a willingness to learn and has become the apprentice that others ask to work on their team. Jason is proud and happy to have him with them for the long term as he is mature, professional and very impressive.

Congratulations Harlem.

2021 New South Wales Apprentice of the Year

Michael O'Rourke

Protec Aluminium & Glazing
Lidcombe TAFE

Michael is employed by Protec Aluminium and Glazing in Milperra, New South Wales, and attends Lidcombe TAFE, where he is the current TAFE NSW Glass and Glazing Apprentice of the Year. He has shown great leadership skills and has a great attendance record. Growing up in the industry with a father who is a Master Glazer, Michael was inspired to join Protec four years ago. Working at Protec has allowed him to learn all aspects of glass and he has become an important part of the team and a highly skilled tradesman.

Congratulations to Michael O'Rourke, winner:

  • 2021 National Apprentice of the Year Award
  • 2021 New South Wales Apprentice of the Year Award
  • 2021 New South Wales Commercial Apprentice Award

2021 Tasmania Apprentices of the Year

This year, the judges felt that due to the high standard of quality from the apprentice nominees that a joint Tasmania Apprentice of the Year would be awarded.

Daniel Gofton

Kingborough Glazing
TasTAFE

Daniel is employed Kingborough Glazing, Huntingfield, and studied at TasTAFE. He grew up in the glass and glazing industry due to his family owing a glazing business. He was naturally attracted to the architectural use of glass and the diversity of the industry offering so many opportunities for the use of different skills. In his studies, Daniel showed a natural ability to grasp new ideas quickly and to be highly productive while keeping safety at the forefront. He has also completed other studies, including courses on AS 1288 and AS 2047. Most recently he completed AGWA’s Intermediate Fenestration course and became a Foundation Glazier with AGWA. Daniel always produces high quality work and has received excellent feedback from customers. He displays leadership skills and has the ability to express his ideas and offer alternative solutions. His employers see him becoming an important presence in the glass and glazing industry.

Congratulations to Daniel Gofton, winner:

  • Joint 2021 Tasmania Apprentice of the Year
  • 2021 Tasmania Residential Apprentice Award

Ivan Salter

Hobart Glass & Aluminium
TasTAFE

Ivan works for Hobart Glass and Aluminimum, Derwent Park, and attends TasTAFE. Ivan first joined the industry after responding to an ad at the end of school. He was pleasantly surprised that there was more to the industry than installing glass and repairing breaks. He has done very well at TAFE and shows a great dedication to study as well as the ability to pick up new concepts quickly. He has also taken on a mentoring role. This ability to learn quickly has also become and asset in his employment where he has become highly respected and delivers high standard work.

Congratulations to Ivan Salter, joint AGWA 2021 Tasmania Apprentice of the Year.

2021 Western Australia Apprentice of the Year

Zak Tanner

Guthrie Glass & Aluminium
North Metropolitan TAFE

Zak works for Guthrie Glass & Aluminium in Kelmscott, Western Australia, and attends North Metropolitan TAFE. He was drawn to glazing from his first day of work experience at school. He liked that it involved attention to detail and was also hands-on. He is a true leader within his TAFE course and does excellent work in both theory and practical assessments. At his workplace, Zak has shown great commitment to his work as well as a great attitude. His employers are certain that he will become a fantastic tradesperson as he is a quick learner and works well with others in the team.

Congratulations to Zak Tanner, winner:

  • 2021 Western Australia Apprentice of the Year Award
  • 2021 Western Australia Commercial Apprentice Award