MTA Automotive Apprentice Of The Year Announced

MTA Automotive Apprentice Of The Year Announced

Gavin Brindle from Jerry Clayton BMW Auckland has been announced as the MTA 2003 Automotive Apprentice Of The Year. The winner of the Tom Hodgson Memorial Award, Gavin was presented with his award by Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) Chief Executive Officer, Janet Lane, at the MTA’s 2003 Conference in Sydney this month.

Selected from 29 nominations, the 20 year old Modern Apprentice was lost for words when he was informed that he had won. The prestigious prize includes a trophy, framed certificate, and $250 each from MTA and MITO.

Gavin, who originally comes from Whangarei, completed a pre-trade course at Northland Polytechnic, but after being unable to source an apprenticeship moved to Auckland and has been with Jerry Clayton BMW since the middle of last year. Gavin is now close to completing his assignments for his “A” Grade and will be sitting both National Registration and “A” Grade examinations in November 2003.

Gavin’s determination impressed his Service Manager Grant McKain, who said “Gavin is a young person who has stood out from the time he approached me with his commitment to move permanently from Whangarei to Auckland to secure an apprenticeship. His achievements to date have fully justified this decision”.

Although very much surprised by his own success Gavin says he is “happy with the overall result and pleased with the recognition”. He puts his rapid successes down to “an industry he is passionate about and the support of both his family and employer”. The large contingency of Gavin’s family who traveled to Sydney with Gavin to accept his award, along with Grant McKain, further demonstrated this support.

The Tom Hodgson Memorial Award is always a tight competition and this year was no exception, with nominations being received from a wide variety of businesses spread throughout the country. The judges selected Jason Land from Gisborne Auto Electrics, as the first runner up with second runner up going to Michael Ripen from Tasman Toyota, New Plymouth.

All judges commented on the high calibre and quality of the nominations received this year and this is great news for the automotive industry. The testimonials provided by the employees highlighted the desire and commitment these apprentices have to achieve their qualification and the integral part they play in members business by providing “added value”. It’s always difficult to pick a winner; but Gavin’s commitment and dedication to his studies and technical expertise impressed the judges. Well Done Gavin!

ENDS

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