Apprentices, trainees, students and host employers were the stars of the NECA Education & Careers Awards held at Crown Casino on Tuesday 27 October 2015.

This important night is one of the highlights of the year where we acknowledge and celebrate the success of our students, apprentices, trainees and host employers.

Each year we are blown away by the standard of the nominations in each of award categories. This year was no different as the nominees raised the bar for employment and training in Victoria and Tasmania.

Hosted by Jake Adams, a NECA Education & Careers 4^th Year Electrical Apprentice, the night was full of entertainment and laughter, which saw 140 students, apprentices, trainees, mums, dads, family members, sponsors and staff come together to celebrate the commitment and dedication shown by all the finalist.

“The awards night really showcased our apprentices and trainees” commented Philip Green, CEO “From our MC, who is one of our apprentices and did a fantastic job, to our students who study hard at our training facility and also to the apprentices, trainees and host employers, we couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved so far in their career”.

“It’s an outstanding achievement to be selected and while every one of our finalists could not win in their category, they should be very proud of the fact that they were nominated, as this is an achievement in its self” commented Phillip.

The night also marked the inaugural Kevin Stevens Memorial Award for Academic Excellence. Kevin Stevens was one of the best teachers in the country who taught and inspired many thousands of apprentices during his career. He was also a friend and mentor to many at NECA Education & Careers.

Kevin’s daughter Sheryn presented the award and commented “It is a great honour and privilege for all of us to be here tonight. My father’s care, commitment and dedication to his students, and their learning was second to none.

From an early age I remember a young “sparkie” who whilst working hard to raise and support his family, dreamed of one day being able to give back to the industry the gift and opportunity he felt he had been given during his apprenticeship years. Today Dad, your dream has come full circle……”

Guest speaker Sam Mitchell captivated the audience as he talked about the highs and lows of his career, what it takes to succeed, dealing with setbacks and of course winning four premierships with Hawthorn.

The 2015 NECA Education and Careers Award winners are:

Pre Apprentice of the Year: Glenn Johnson

1st Year Student Apprentice: Izabella Wielga

2nd Year Student Apprentice: Gavin Urqhart

Kevin Stevens Memorial Award for Academic Excellence: Joshua Ott

Trainee of the Year (Tasmania):     Katherine Masson

Trainee of the Year (Victoria): Stefanie Castrucci

Apprentice of the Year (Tasmania): Emma Bygrave

Junior Apprentice of the Year: Simon Cooke

Senior Apprentice of the Year: James Huf

Host Employer of the Year (Trainee): RMIT University

Host Employer of the Year (Electrical): Projex Electrical Controls