Congratulations to Jasmine, Abigail and Caitlin who this week completed their School Based Traineeships after two years at Red Cross offices in Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Lincoln. Trainees have completed Certificate 3 in Business and supported the administration, finance and client support through daily operations and have all learnt valuable skills that they will take into the wider workforce.

Jasmine (pictured) said the best thing about the traineeship has been the skills she has learnt and all the people she has met.

4th Year Apprentice Jake Eadie, hosted to Proficient Fire Protection, has been announced as a finalist in the National Fire Industry Association Australia SA Apprentice Awards.

This Award is presented to a Fire Protection Apprentice enrolled at Fire Industry Training who has demonstrated a strong commitment to off-the-job studies as well as showing reliability, professionalism, autonomy and contingency management in their workplace.

Congratulations Jake on a well-deserved nomination.

Matthew Brown - Full time Light Vehicle Mechanic at Adelaide Hills Toyota since 2015
 

Matthew started his apprenticeship in 2015 while he was completing year 12. He has now completed his full 4 year apprenticeship and is happily employed full time at Adelaide Hills Toyota servicing and repairing new cars.

How did you get started in your apprenticeship?
In year 11 (2014), my school had a course called PLP (Personal learning Plan). Part of the course involved doing mock interviews for jobs. Through that I won an opportunity to do 2 days work experience with Adelaide Hills Toyota. From there I was offered a Light Vehicle Mechanic apprenticeship.1 day a week and continuing year 12 for 4 days a week. This was followed by 4 years full time at Adelaide Hills Toyota to complete my apprenticeship.

What apprenticeship options did you have?
My only other viable option was through MTA (Motor Trade Association).

What was good about being employed through Statewide Group Training?
They're a small business and offer personal attention. I have my own field officer, James, who has been fantastic and helpful at every step. Statewide Group Training also looked after my pay and entitlements. 

What do you like most about working at Adelaide Hills Toyota?
I love that I still learn something new every day and that Adelaide Hills Toyota is a family orientated business with a close knit team. It's close to home with good pay and good people.

4th Year Carpentry apprentice Briley Gibbs, centre of picture, wins the Construction Industry Award and Runner Up Apprentice of the Year at the 2020 Riverland & Mallee Vocational Awards.

Also in the picture on the right is Briley's Host Employer, Ben Williams of Ben's Constructions, who has been a massive support and mentor for Briley throughout his apprenticeship.  Greg McLean, Statewide's SA Regional Manager (on the left in the picture) was rapt that Briley deservedly won the Industry Award and then Runner Up for the overall Apprentice of the Year.

Ouside of work, Briley is also a high achiever - winning the Riverland Dingy Derby with a close friend.