An electrical instructor from Western Australia is this year’s winner of the prestigious National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA)’s Trade Teacher Award.

Cameron Cherry, a 47-year-old instructor at Perth’s College of Electrical Training, received his award and a cheque for $5,000, generously donated by the ElectroComms Foundation, at an award ceremony held at Brisbane’s Moda Events Portside on Wednesday 28 November.

NECA is the only national peak industry body that recognises the work of these “unsung heroes” who play such a vital role in developing the future of our industry.

NECA chief executive officer James Tinslay said, “I would like to congratulate Cameron Cherry on his outstanding achievement and on the dedication he has shown in helping to train the electricians of tomorrow.

“NECA holds this award each year as we directly employ thousands of apprentices through our group training schemes and we represent the employers of tens of thousands of electricians throughout Australia. As such, NECA has a large interest in not only the quality of training but also the commitment and motivation of the industry’s teachers and mentors.”

West Australian born and bred Cameron Cherry, who lives in Caversham, started his career as an electrical apprentice with Otis elevators where he attended the Mt Lawley and Balga TAFE campuses. He was awarded apprentice of the year in his final year.

Cameron joined the College of Electrical Training in 2010 after working in a factory engineering department in a training role and obtaining his vocational training certification. He knew straight away that teaching was for him.

“From day one I knew this was the next logical step in my electrotechnology career,” Cameron says.

“I’m very proud of what I do and what I have accomplished so far for my students, the college and myself. To see these young keen faces with open minds eager to absorb information, looking to me for answers and become what I was or am ‘an electrician’ is amazing.”

The College of Electrical Training (CET), which has campuses in Balcatta and Jandakot, believe that Cameron is a worthy winner.

In their submission to the awards, CET’s general manager Carl Copeland said, “Cameron is an outstanding trainer, who has shown considerable commitment and dedication to both CET and his students, and would be well deserving of this award.”