A SOUTHERN Downs mechanic is on his way to the Queensland Training Awards state finals in Brisbane in September.
Southern Downs Regional Council mechanic, Brodie Ellery, received top honours, taking out the 2016 Apprentice of the Year award for the Darling Downs South West region to earn a place in the finals.
Brodie was one of three regional finalists selected as part of the 55th Queensland Training Awards (QTA), to contest the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year, at the Darling Downs South West regional awards ceremony on 22 July in Toowoomba.
The Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award recognises people of the highest calibre who have achieved great things locally in their apprenticeships.
Brodie completed his Diesel Fitter apprenticeship with council in November, achieving a Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie congratulated Brodie on his success in the QTA regional round.
“Brodie is an outstanding young man who deserves this Award in recognition of his achievements throughout his apprenticeship, and council is very proud of him,” she said.
As a regional winner, Brodie will now progress to the state finals of the prestigious Queensland Training Awards at a gala dinner on 9 September in Brisbane.
“We’re ecstatic that his efforts and work ethic have been acknowledged at the regional level, and we’ll all be behind him when he represents the region in the State round in September,” Cr Dobie said.
“Brodie is a terrific ambassador for the Southern Downs and a tremendous role model to young people in our region.
“He epitomises the notion that hard work, dedication and a passion for what you do, really can bring great rewards.”
Reflecting on his award, Brodie said he was shocked but excited to win.
“I feel privileged and see the award as a reward for all the hard work I’ve put in, and I feel that I’ve achieved something worthwhile,” he said.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to represent the region at the state training awards, and I’m hoping I can go further.”
His council supervisor, Clinton Henry, said he was really pleased for Brodie, noting his drive and self-motivation.
“Brodie is always keen to listen and learn. He’s got great ability and just wants to have a go,” Mr Henry said.
Rusty Pierini, heavy vehicle automotive teacher with TAFE South West’s Warwick Campus said he wasn’t surprised by Brodie’s win.
“He was always engaged, and I just knew he would do well,” he said.
Mr Ellery also earned the gold award at a recent 2015 Regional World Skills competition.
