2020 Zinfra Apprentice and Trainee Awards Winners
Zinfra's 2020 Apprentice & Trainee Awards were announced on Thursday 1st July in a pared back, virtual awards ceremony attended by both Frank Tudor, Group MD and Peter Iancov, Zinfra MD.
We congratulate all our 2020 finalists and winners within the following categories:
Most Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice/Trainee Award
Finalists: Jon Arcidiacono, Apprentice Gas Services Technician, Jemena Network Services, Brendan Finch, Apprentice Transmission Lineworker, Power Projects
Winner: Niklas Kreher, Apprentice Electrician, Power Projects
Niklas has established himself as a vital member of the team at Heywood, demonstrating skills and knowledge well beyond his years. His cable installation records are precise, his attention to details is highly efficient and capability to think outside the box. He often receives praise from his peers and attention when it comes to recommendations, options and suggestions for a variety of tasks.
Most Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice Award
Finalists: Bobby Ambrum, Gas Services Technician, Jemena Network Services, Christian Lagasca, Apprentice Transmission Lineworker, Power Projects
Winner: Jack Schroder, Apprentice Distribution Lineworker, Power Services
With an impressive work ethic and professional attitude towards work mates customers and clients, Jack is considered by some peers as one of the best apprentices they’ve worked with. Nominees highlight his keen focus on safety, his initiative and proactiveness on the job and his willingness to take on complex tasks to challenge himself and increase his knowledge.
Most Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice Award
Finalists: Adam English, Apprentice Gas Services Technician, Jemena Network Services, Andrew Hollis, Apprentice Gas Services Technician, Jemena Network Services
Winner: Amy Upton, Gas Services Technician, Jemena Network Services
The Winner of the 2019 Most Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice and Apprentice of the Year, Amy is an extremely diligent and motivated worker, who is also taking the initiative and keen to help in anyway. Continually presenting herself in a professional and respectful manner, Amy often demonstrates strong leadership and a dedication to her learning and that of our fellow apprentices.
Most Outstanding 4th Year Apprentice Award
Finalists: Ben Hawtin, Apprentice Distribution Lineworker, Jemena Network Services, Matthew Taylor, Apprentice Cable Jointer, Jemena Network Services
Winner: Tim Jensen, Apprentice Electrician, Power Projects
Tim he has not taken this opportunity to become a tradesperson for granted and spent the last four years learning and developing his craft to the best of his ability. So much so, that four years into his apprenticeship was generally considered a fully qualified team member and performed as such. He has a great attitude, strong work ethic, is task orientated, and importantly safety focused.
Safety First Award
Finalists: Wilson England, Apprentice Gas Service Technician, Jemena Network Services, William Stewart, Apprentice Distribution Lineworker, Power Services
Winner: Amy Upton, Gas Services Technician, Jemena Network Services
Amy has always performed with a Safety First approach as demonstrated by a recent incident during the Western Sydney floods that left a large dangerous open hole at Glenmore Park that that was exposed to the general public and put at risk a major supply through a 110mm Nylon Main. The area, barricaded with just a flimsy warning tape by the Police, Amy was left to keep the area safe until additional resources arrived, calmly dealing with the general public keen to closely look at and photograph the sinkhole.
Overall Encouragement Award
Finalists: Alyce Scott, Apprentice Transmission Lineworker, Power Projects
Joel Whitney, Apprentice Transmission Lineworker, Power Projects
Winner: Daniel Cramer, Apprentice Gas Transmission Apprentice, Jemena Network Services
Located in Tassie, it was a tough start for Daniel commencing his apprenticeship just before the start of COVID in Australia, impacting his ability to travel for training and spending time working and learning from his peers. Fortunately a recent training and assessment block in Sydney provided him with the ability to network with his fellow apprentices and catch up on missed learning. Despite these challenges, Dan is working hard on developing his skills, becoming more confident and injecting a youthful enthusiasm and new perspective to the team establishing himself as a valuable team member.
Excellence in Mentoring Award
Finalists: Cameron Hannah, G&B Lineworker Power Services, David Osborn, Field Tester Jemena Network Services, Angus Wishart, Lineworker, Power Services
Winner: Trent Spurr, Mechanical High Pressure Technician, Jemena Network Services
Trent has taken two first year apprentices under his wing and continually providing different learning opportunities to allow each apprentice to reach their full potential. He places a strong focus on safety and practical experience and providing resources that supports their daily learning. In addition, Trent also assists in mentoring his fellow co-workers to foster a great learning environment and supporting other mentors to increase the ability of the team.
Apprentice of the Year Award (Presented by Frank Tudor, Group MD)
The Apprentice of the Year winner is selected from the four winners of the Most Outstanding 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Year Apprentice Awards.
Winner: Jack Schroder, Apprentice Distribution Lineworker, Power Services
Jack received an outstanding eight separate nominations from his peers, many of which commented that Jack is one of the most outstanding apprentices in the team and consistently demonstrates the Zinfra values of Accountability, Clients, Teamwork and Safety. In addition, he received the highest number of public votes within his category as Most Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice.
