VU Trades College apprentices have once again found success at the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia's 106th Gold Medal and Training Awards recognising excellence in the plumbing and mechanical services industries.
Katherine Lipic (right) celebrated her award with employer Anthony Vassallo and the grand daughters of Rose Curtis who inspired the awards.
Mark Thistlewhite received the City West Water Environmental Award and Katherine Lipic received the Rose Curtis Award for outstanding female apprentice.
"This award encourages women not just to continue in the plumbing trade, but to excel" says Katherine. "I really appreciate the generosity of the VU team in sharing their knowledge and skills and am taking full advantage of every learning opportunity available. I am fortunate to be in a business that values the knowledge I am gaining as an apprentice and supports me in my training."
Both have come to the plumbing trade as mature apprentices. Personal drive and determination have been fundamental to their successes to date.
Daren James,recognised Mark's determination
to succeed on day one.
"What you put in is what you'll get out" says Mark. "The environmental courses are an eye opener, the new skills, technology materials and training are amazing and I'm taking all the learning opportunities available. Being able to put into practice the latest environmental initiatives gives me a point of difference from colleagues who have been in the trade for 20 years."
Daren James, Acting Education Manager, Trades College, values the contribution mature apprentices make to the classroom, "The balance, experience and attitude they bring lifts the performance of the whole class."
VU offers both pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeships in Plumbing. More information on plumbing training options at VU is available by contacting our team.
