TAFE Apprentice of the Year

04/07/2017

Downer is a Major Sponsor of the TAFE NSW Central Coast and Hunter Excellence Awards.

Downer continues to build strong relationships with NSW TAFE in the Hunter Valley. This year Downer sponsored the Central Coast and Hunter Excellence Awards in May.

The awards, as judged by TAFE, are a celebration to honour and recognise the outstanding achievements of students, through their exceptional commitment to their studies and their contribution to industry and the community.

In 2015 Downer established a Strategic Education Alliance with Hunter TAFE to train our Rail apprentices at the new Kurri Kurri Campus. The 2016 and 2017 new Downer Rail Apprentice Program groups study a rail specific Certificate III Mechanic Trade at Kurri Kurri.

Kurri Kurri Campus is also assisting Downer with upskilling and re-training our existing Cardiff Depot workforce. Downer and TAFE recently signed a Licence agreement for Downer to use part of the Kurri Kurri TAFE facility, for the delivery of Downer Rail’s internal technical training programs and other Downer specific staff training.

Jake Barry wins TAFE Apprentice of the Year, Kevin Fletcher Memorial Award

Jake Barry, EC&M Electrical Technician, was recognised for his dedication to his Diploma of Electrical Engineering studies at the TAFE Excellence Awards,  winning the TAFE Apprentice of the Year, Kevin Fletcher Memorial Award, sponsored by Downer. Kevin Fletcher was Downer’s Chief Financial Officer from  2010 to 2016. Dave Wilson, Downer Rail Executive Manager HR, NSW, presented the award to Jake.

Jake completed his apprenticeship with Origin Energy and was employed by Downer’s EC&M division on completion of his apprenticeship. Jake studied the TAFE Certificate III Electrotechnology and the TAFE Certificate IV Industrial Electronics and Control, before completing the Diploma of Electrical Engineering.

Jake said: “The thing I liked about TAFE was how well the theory and practical training related to my workplace, it meshed together really well”.

For further information on Downer and the NSW TAFE Central Coast and Hunter Excellence Awards, please go to: www.hunter.tafensw.edu.au/about-us/pages/awards.aspx