The presentation of the Apprentice of the Year Award took place during the CVIAQ Annual Dinner and Awards Night held at The Sebel & Citigate Hotels King George Square on Saturday 12th November 2011 and was won by Mr Christian Wyatt of Brisbane Isuzu who is due to complete his Certificate 3 in Automotive Mechanical Technology.

The CVIAQ Apprentice of the Year Award is an annual award open to apprentices in the final stages of their training from the heavy vehicle repair, service and manufacturing sectors. The award, now in its thirtieth year, is held in high regard by industry.

High Achievement Awards were presented to Mr Daniel Dull of Cummins South Pacific Pty Ltd / TORGAS and Mr Anthony Mainas of Volvo Group Australia. The awards were announced by CVIAQ Board Director and Service Manager Council Chairman, Mr John Edwards of Hastings Deering (Australia). During the presentation Mr Edwards thanked the efforts of the judging panel comprising Mr Bob Martin (Jost Australia and CVIAQ Board President), Mr Chris Kroehn (SkillsTech Australia) and Ms Melanie O’Toole (Automotive Skills Queensland).

In addition to Christian Wyatt receiving his award, Mr Pete Kenny, Group Service Manager for Brisbane Isuzu was on hand to receive the inaugural CVIAQ Apprentice of the Year perpetual trophy for the employer. Mr Kenny was full of praise for his apprentice adding that Christian finally brought home the gold for Brisbane Isuzu (a regular contender for the award). The perpetual trophy is an initiative of the CVIAQ Board of Directors to acknowledge the dedicated effort of employers in the training of their apprentices. The perpetual trophy will be on display at Brisbane Isuzu for the twelve months between awards.

The award recipients are:

2011 CVIAQ Apprentice of the Year

Christian Wyatt – Brisbane Isuzu
Certificate 3 Automotive Mechanical Technology

High Achievement Award

Daniel Dull – Cummins South Pacific Pty Ltd / TORGAS Inc.
Certificate 3 Automotive Specialist

Anthony Mainas – Volvo Group Australia Pty Ltd
Certificate 3 Automotive Mechanical Technology

Certificate of Merit

Aaron Mason-Jeffs – Drake Trailers / Apprenticeships Queensland
Certificate 3 Automotive Manufacturing (Bus, Truck & Trailer)

Jordan Welsh – Mercedes Benz Commercial Vehicles Rocklea / TORGAS Inc.
Certificate 3 Automotive Mechanical Technology

Curtis Mulvena – SVM Queensland Pty Ltd
Certificate 3 Automotive Manufacturing (Bus, Truck and Trailer)

Lloyd Huchison – Volvo Group Australia
Certificate 3 Automotive Mechanical Technology

Certificate of Recognition

Thomas Defelice –  ATB Engineering Pty Ltd
Certificate 3 Automotive Manufacturing (Bus, Truck & Trailer)

Christopher Jackson – Cummins South Pacific Pty Ltd / TORGAS Inc.
Certificate 3 Automotive Specialist

The prize value for the awards was in excess of $6,000.00 with the Apprentice of the Year, Christian Wyatt receiving an Apple IPad2 and tools to the combined value of $2,000.00

The High Achievement Award winners received tools to the value of $900.00 each, the Certificate of Merit Awards winners receiving tools to the value of $500 each and the Certificate of Recognition recipients receiving a tool prize to the value of $150.00 each.

CVIAQ wishes to thank Warby Tools and National Transport Insurance for their sponsorship of the prizes presented to each award recipient.