Bendigo TAFE’s plumbing apprentice Andrew Jan has personally received a trophy by Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education the Hon Gayle Tierney MP in recognition of his 2021 Victorian Apprentice of the Year Award.
The trophy was presented this week at Mr Jan’s workplace, Macedon Ranges Plumbing in Kyneton, at a private visit and tour attended by Minister Tierney and Bendigo TAFE chief executive Sally Curtain.
Mr Jan, who was announced apprentice winner for the Victorian Training Awards’ virtual ceremony on 16 October, said it was a pleasure to meet with the Minister and Ms Curtain at his workplace.
“I was honoured to have Minister Tierney and Ms Curtain visit my workplace and to be presented with a trophy for Victorian Apprentice of the Year,” said Mr Jan.
“It was exciting to speak with her and to hear her thoughts on vocational education into the future.
“I am truly blessed to have received such widespread recognition of my achievements.”
Mr Jan had spent 11 years working in thoroughbred breeding before making a career switch to plumbing. His achievements also include clinching the 2020 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant and Bendigo TAFE’s 2021 Apprentice of the Year Award.
He plans to put his $5,000 prize money towards tools and pursuing the Certificate IV in Plumbing.
Bendigo TAFE chief executive Sally Curtain said it was a privilege to personally congratulate Mr Jan on his monumental win.
“It was wonderful to finally have an opportunity to congratulate Andrew in person on being awarded the prestigious Victorian Apprentice of the Year award, and I’d like to thank Andrew and his employer Simon Lowe for the warm reception at Macedon Ranges Plumbing,” said Ms Curtain.
“Andrew’s achievements are a direct result of hard work, a drive to succeed, and the strong support of his family, his employer, and the teachers at Bendigo TAFE.
“Our students are the centre of everything we do at Bendigo TAFE and Andrew’s success reflects the power of vocational education and training to change lives and create bright futures.”
The annual Victorian Training Awards recognises the state’s best apprentices, students, teachers, trainers and employers. Also this year, Bendigo TAFE teacher Julie Kramer won the Victorian Teacher of the Year Award, with the TAFE recognised as a finalist for Inclusive Training Provider of the Year.
Mr Jan will represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards on 18 November.
