Young plumber Patrick Keating has been recognised as the region’s best up-and-coming tradesperson after being awarded Bendigo TAFE’s apprentice of the year award on Monday night.
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The award follows on from Mr Keating’s impressive performance at the National World Skills Competition in Sydney where he won a gold medal.
He will showcase his plumbing skills in Russia when he represents Australia at the International World Skills Competition.
Mr Keating thanked his teachers when accepting the apprentice of the year award.
“The teachers at Bendigo TAFE (encouraged) me to enter World Skills and helped me throughout my apprenticeship,” he said.
“There wasn’t a problem that they couldn’t solve and they made it really easy to complete my apprenticeship.
“I’d like to thank all my family and friends, especially my bosses at Phoenix Plumbing and Solar Hot Water and World Skills Australia for giving me the opportunity to compete.”
The Bendigo TAFE Apprentice and Industry Awards were held at the All Seasons Hotel on Monday night with more than 60 awards presented.
The awards are held in high regard by local trade and non-trade employers alike as the next the generation of builders, painters, plumbers, cooks, hairdressers and many other trades are recognised for their commitment to learning a trade.
Bendigo TAFE chief commercial officer Gideon Perrott said the night had many examples of personal achievement.
“Without a doubt there is no better way to back people's aspirations toward a successful career than providing skills training that produces award-winning apprentices like those being recognised tonight,” he said.
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