Former Apprentice of Year wins Germany scholarship

Media Release 01 November 2010

Former MTA Apprentice of the Year wins scholarship to Germany

In 2009, James O’Connor was named Motor Trade Apprentice (MTA) of the Year. Almost one year later, James has been awarded a travel scholarship to take part in a study and training programme in Germany, home of some of the automotive world’s best known brands.

James was awarded the scholarship at an awards evening and function to celebrate the 45th reunion of the New Zealand Craftsman Training Foundation (NZCTF) in Christchurch on Saturday 30 October 2010. The study and training programme is organised by the NZCTF and provides recently qualified trades people with an opportunity to travel and train overseas. Both MTA and the NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) have provided financial support to help fund James’ cause.

Since winning MTA Apprentice of the Year, James has continued to extend his skills, signing up for a third MITO apprenticeship and attending regular training courses; and his achievements haven’t gone unnoticed.

A few months ago Les Bramford, NZCTF Board member, read a story about James in MTA’s Radiator magazine and thought he might be a good candidate for the New Zealand Craftsman Training Foundation scholarship.

“To start with, some of my workmates thought it might be a prank”, says James, “but when they realised it wasn’t, and that I could get a trip overseas, they were all very supportive and told me to give it a go.”

NZCTF Chairman, Owen Embling, says “One of our primary objectives is to help young people, just starting out in their trade careers, get international experience without having to leave their jobs in New Zealand.”

James says he is looking forward to “seeing how the workshops operate and how they get the job done.” He is also looking forward meeting the people and learning about new technology abroad.

MTA General Manager, Advocacy and Training, Dougal Morrison says “James has a clear passion for the motor industry and that was hard to ignore. I have no doubt that he will succeed in becoming a leading automotive technician and industry leader.”

James says winning MTA Apprentice of the Year has opened up a lot of doors for him and that the advice, and support, he has received has been great. His long term goal is to get involved in vehicle manufacturing and design, so there is no doubt that this latest opportunity is yet another step in the right direction.

ENDS

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