Let the battle begin! MTA Apprentice of the Year 2012

Let the battle begin! MTA Apprentice of the Year 2012

The 2012 MTA Apprentice of the Year competition is now open for entries. Motor Trade Association (MTA) is encouraging automotive businesses to put forward their top apprentices to battle it out and find the best in the industry.

Repco is a major sponsor this year and the prize package is bigger and better than ever, with huge benefits for both the business owner and the apprentice, including the runners up.

The long running MTA Apprentice of the Year Award aims to reward the skills of talented apprentices and recognise employers who are investing in the future of the automotive industry. Apprentices compete in a challenging, but fun and practical competition. Each apprentice is required to complete a book work test, practical challenges, and attend a panel interview.

2011 winner Michael Paaymans has reaped the benefits of being last year’s winner. After working with Greg Murphy’s team at Sandown, he says the most rewarding part of the trip was repairing damaged vehicles. “I got to see how they build and repair their race cars, and see what was involved at each stage, it was a real eye opener and a lot of fun,” said Michael.

He says “I would definitely recommend entering the contest to other apprentices. Even though it is hard to challenge yourself against others in the industry, for the time it takes to enter, it’s worth it. And who knows, you just might be in with a chance.” Michael adds that completing an apprenticeship has been invaluable. “It’s an excellent qualification and skill to have, and once you have done one, you will always have it.”

This year Michael started an engineering degree at the University of Waikato, while also working part time for John McIntyre Racing on the V8 SuperTourers.

The winner spends a week working with the Greg Murphy Racing Team in Australia. Greg Murphy says “We’ve seen some of New Zealand’s top apprentices come through this competition, and the standard just keeps getting better.”

“It is critical that we maintain high skill levels in automotive apprentices. Not only do they need to have the right set of skills, but they also need to have the right attitude. Michael Paaymans is a great example of this.”

“It’s these guys who are going to be leading the way forward, so it is crucial that we help and invest in them,” says Murphy.

The winner of this year’s competition will work alongside the Greg Murphy Racing team at the Sydney Telstra 500, receive a $3,500 cash prize, potential study grant from MITO, and much more. There is also a big prize package for the business owner and the runners up.

Entries close Monday, 30 July 2012. The competition is run by MTA with assistance from Repco, MITO, Weltec, Telecom, and Apparel Master.

For information about MTA Apprentice of the Year, and to nominate online, visit www.mta.org.nz/apprenticechallenge.

ENDS

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