The MTA Institute’s (RTO No.31529) best and brightest apprentices have been recognised for their excellence and dedication to the automotive trade, with the finalists officially announced for the 2022 MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year award. Emily Hodda, a fourth-year heavy commercial vehicle apprentice from BMAS Biloela, is among those finalists.
To be presented at the annual MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala on Saturday, 19th November 2022, the Apprentice of the Year is traditionally bestowed upon an MTA Institute apprentice who has demonstrated a dedication to learning while performing above and beyond expectations throughout their apprenticeship.
Thanks to tool sponsor Milwaukee Tool, the 2022 Apprentice of the Year will take home a 218-piece automotive starter toolkit A1, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary equipment to thrive as they continue on their journey into the automotive trade. The runners-up, meanwhile, will receive a Milwaukee Tool 3/8” Drive 56-piece Ratchet & Socket Set.
The 12 individuals in the running for the 2022 MTA Institute Apprentice of the Year award
are:
• Mitchell Johnston – recently completed his light vehicle apprenticeship with Cam Duffy Autos, Malanda
• Todd Marshall – recently completed his light vehicle apprenticeship with Insane
Performance, Rockhampton
• Andrew Shepherd – recently completed his heavy commercial vehicle apprenticeship
with Trucks on the Run, Toowoomba
• Britain Leotta – second-year automotive electrical apprentice from Mackay Transit
Coaches Motor Trades Association of Queensland
• Emily Hodda – fourth-year heavy commercial vehicle apprentice from BMAS Biloela
• Grace Campbell – fourth-year parts interpreting apprentice from Central Bike Centre,
Emerald
• Jack Farraway – third-year light vehicle apprentice from Done Right Automotive,
Charters Towers
• Timothy Louden – fourth-year light vehicle apprentice from GMW Mechanical &
Towing, Gladstone
• Nathan Faggotter – second-year automotive electrical apprentice from Longreach
Motors
• Klarah Cassar-Tan – fourth-year light vehicle apprentice from Mercedes-Benz
Sunshine Coast
• Lucas Giacoboni – third-year light vehicle apprentice from Auto Giant, Brendale
• Phoenix Ah-Toon – third-year automotive refinishing apprentice from Allspec
Coatings, Yatala
MTA Institute General Manager Paul Kulpa said, “With over 2,200 apprentices currently
training with the MTA Institute, the standard of nominations for the Apprentice of the Year
award has never been higher. I am absolutely blown away by the passion and the craft our
finalists have exhibited throughout their apprenticeships to this point, and I congratulate
them all on this well-deserved recognition.
“As the automotive industry continues to experience critical skill and labour shortages here in
Queensland, the ability to come together to recognise and acknowledge those achieving and
doing incredible things has never been more important. I have little doubt these individuals
will continue to aspire to great heights as they progress on their journey in the automotive
industry.
“I am also excited by the breadth of regions being represented by this year’s finalists. From
the Gold Coast to Malanda, and from Gladstone, Mackay, and Rockhampton to Biloela,
Longreach and Charters Towers, this is the most geographically diverse group of finalists we
have ever had and speaks to our commitment to delivering crucial skills right across the
State.”
MTA Queensland would like to thank platinum supporters Spirit Super, BUSY At Work and
Capricorn for their support of the Industry Awards Gala.
- Tags: apprenticeships, Biloela, BMAS, motor industry
