Celebrating Local Trades Success

06 Dec 2024

Apprentices, teachers, and members of industry gathered last night for the inaugural Swan Hill Trades Night.

This is the first time that the Swan Hill campus has had its own Trades Night after two years of successful events at the Mildura campus.

Supported by Energy Safe Victoria, the event saw students, their families, and sponsors check in to the Swan Hill campus to see how the trades departments are changing lives and to celebrate the industries who are building, manufacturing, and developing the Mallee.  

Additionally, SuniTAFE was pleased to welcome Office of TAFE Coordination and Delivery (OTCD) Acting Chief Executive Officer Grant Radford to the event, as well as OTCD Partnership Lead Heather Crosling. 

The winners of the 2024 SuniTAFE Trades Awards were announced on the night. These awards recognise students who have excelled during their studies.

Amongst the awards presented were the David Beames Memorial Encouragement Award and the Garry Thompson Memorial Achievement Award.

Both awards are named after locals who were crucial in the establishment of Heavy Automotive studies at the Swan Hill campus many years ago.

The students who were awarded these, Aaron Wilson and Grady Finnegan respectively, both embody the qualities that made Heavy Automotive at Swan Hill possible, dedication, collaboration, and hard work.

Regional WorldSkills medallists from the recent Sunraysia competitions were also announced on the night, with 9 Swan Hill campus students winning gold, silver, or bronze.

SuniTAFE Chief Executive Officer Brett Millington was proud to host the first Swan Hill Trades Night.

"Trades Night is a unique opportunity for us to celebrate with students, their employers, teachers, and families," Mr Millington said. 

"This student journey takes a village and the fact that we can bring everyone together at our Swan Hill campus is very special.

"It was fantastic to acknowledge the effort and continued hard work of the students being awarded amongst all trades last night, whether they are in first year or third year. 

"It was great to recognise our WorldSkills medallists too. These competitions are a great opportunity for young people to be able to demonstrate how they've progressed with their knowledge and skills, and to potentially qualify to represent Victoria. 

"We're thankful for all of our employers who attended last night. None of the students that were receiving awards would be where they are without the support of their employer. 

"The growth of our regions in any sector is supported by people who are residing in homes, working in buildings, receiving electricity or clean water. All of our trades help to underpin what it is to be a modern society."

 

Full list of award winners
Outstanding 1st Year Heavy Automotive | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Henry Kinsman

Outstanding 2nd Year Heavy Automotive | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Brad McKinnon

Outstanding 3rd Year Heavy Automotive | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Elijah Cambridge

Outstanding 1st Year Automotive Electrical Technology | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Thomas Cotton

Outstanding 3rd Year Automotive Electrical Technology | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Shane Jochinke

Outstanding 1st Year Plastering | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Soul Stevenson

Outstanding 3rd Year Plastering | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Chris Fletcher

Outstanding 1st Year Carpentry | Sponsored by GMG Finance Group
Aaron Bognar

Outstanding 2nd Year Carpentry | Sponsored by GMG Finance Group
Jacob O’Meara

Outstanding 3rd Year Carpentry | Sponsored by GMG Finance Group
Liam White

Outstanding 1st Year Electrical | Sponsored by Energy Safe Victoria
Flynn Thompson

Outstanding 2nd Year Electrical | Sponsored by Energy Safe Victoria
Charlie Kingwill

Outstanding 3rd Year Electrical | Sponsored by Energy Safe Victoria
Connor Rogers

Outstanding 2nd Year Plumbing | Sponsored by Energy Safe Victoria
Will Domaille

Outstanding 3rd Year Plumbing | Sponsored by Energy Safe Victoria
Dante Miliano

David Beames Memorial Encouragement Award
Aaron Wilson

Garry Thompson Memorial Achievement Award
Grady Finnegan