Media Release: 12 August 2011

Three young electricians received the highest accolade from their industry at the South Australian National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) Apprentice Awards, held at the prestigious Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday the 12 August 2011.

Despite being heavily outnumbered by men in her industry, apprentice Rosemary Ampt of Millicent took out the Electrical Commercial / Domestic Apprentice Award and was praised by host employer Elec-Air of Millicent as bringing “the right attitude to work every day”.

As well as her work ethic, Rosemary stands out for her mature attitude towards her work and a real commitment to her apprenticeship, which has enabled her to learn the trade quickly and effectively, Elec-Air said in its nomination. Elec-Air also made note of Rosemary’s ability to communicate effectively with management, other staff members and clients, which has made her a respected member of the organisation and also the Millicent community.

Rosemary is a trainee with PEER VEET (Plumbing, Electrical, Electronic & Refrigeration – Vocation Education, Employment & Training) in Albert Park where she received the Electrotechnology and Water Skills Board Award for Excellence if Workplace Documentation in 2009.

Fellow PEER VEET trainee, Benjamin Murfett of Highbury, displayed “excellent work ethic and great attention to detail” from day one of his placement with host employer TIE Networks of North Adelaide. In terms of his technical work, he is now often chosen by senior staff as the second technician on many jobs, and has begun successfully leading jobs himself with minimal supervision said TIE Networks. Benjamin won the Communications Apprentice Award for his outstanding technical knowledge and application and this strong customer service skills..

Apprentice Michael Cirocco took the third award of the evening, for his outstanding work in the Electrical Industrial category. Michael, of Henley Beach, is with O’Donnell Griffin of Woodville. Managing director Richard Lane praised the apprentice’s reputation for producing high quality work as well as his can-do attitude.

“He has a thirst for knowledge and a willingly takes on any task required of him with confidence and skill, as well as completing it is a timely manner with minimal input needed from supervision,” Mr Lane said.

The NECA Apprentice Awards are a national showcase for the next generation of electrotechnology workers and are a celebration of their importance to the future vitality and quality of the profession.

Larry Moore, chief executive officer of NECA South Australia, said, “These young people are a credit to themselves, their companies and their training organisations. It makes me immensely proud to see the high standard of work they are producing and gives me great optimism for the future of our industry.”

State winners are now automatically eligible for the National Awards, which will be announced in Melbourne on 23 November 2011.

Ends

NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide. For further information go to http://www.neca.asn.au.

For further media information contact:

Donna Beech, Marketing and Member Services

Tel: (02) 8272 2966 0402 384 999

SA Apprentice Awards summary

Communications Category:

WINNER:   Benjamin Murfett

from PEER VEET and host employer TIE Networks

RUNNER-UP: Tyson Heaver

from employer PEER VEET and host employer EDC Communications

Electrical - Commercial / Domestic

WINNER: Rosemary Ampt

 from employer PEER VEET and host employer Elec-Air

RUNNER-UP: James Conroy

from employer PEER VEET and host employer Laser Electrical - St Mary's

Electrical - Industrial

WINNER: Michael Cirocco

from employer O'Donnell Griffin

RUNNER-UP: Matthew Reid

 from employer PEER VEET and host employer RMG Electrical