Post Apprenticeship Scholarship Award Winners 2008

The 2008 ElectroComms Contracting Foundation Post Apprenticeship Scholarships were announced in Sydney in November. This year, two exceptional winners share a total of $40,000 to contribute to the completion of degrees in electrical engineering.

They are:

• Neil Gustavson from Mackay in Queensland, employed by i.Power Solutions, who is studying an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering (Control and Instrumentation) at Central Queensland University
• Thomas Enston from Churchlands in Western Australia, employed by BCA Consultants, who is studying a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at Curtain University.

A further 13 talented apprentices shared a total of $24,000 to fund participation in industry short courses and completion of diploma qualifications.

• Troy Quinn - Stowe Australia
• Chris Twyman - Barnwell Cambridge
• Luke Sarantos - Bass Electrical
• David Twiss - Fredon
• Andrew Sciberras - Bass Electrical
• Michael Mann - KAUTA Electrical
• Sam Raiti - Heyday
• Shannon Killorn - Stowe Australia
• Matthew Northcote - Fredon & Glenco
• Elias Sayegh - Stowe Australia
• Matthew Layoun - John Goss Projects
• Jordan Kennedy - Brian Haywood Electrical
• Ibrahim Al Hammuri - Stowe Australia

Some details about our successful candidates, and their thoughts on their respective plans:

Neil Gustavson, Mackay Queensland

Neil Gustavson commenced his career as an electrical apprentice with i.Power Solutions in 2003 and sees his future as an electrical engineer with the company. He has maintained his studies throughout his working life and on completing his apprenticeship in 2006, he immediately enrolled in a degree in electrical engineering majoring in control and instrumentation at Central Queensland University.

Neil is highly committed to his work and study program and has been described by his supervisor, Gary Colburn, as 'the perfect employee'. "We fully support Neil's education program and are confident that, with his excellent practical grounding combined with further study, he will become an outstanding electrical engineer," Gary said.

Neil was rapt to receive the scholarship which he says will be a great help with covering his university fees. "I always wanted to be a tradie when I was at school but didn't realise all the options that further study could offer to better my career until I became an apprentice," he said. "Taking up a trade was a great way to start and I've been able to fund my own way through my studies while working. It's now my ambition to become an electrical maintenance engineer and then work my way right through the company to a senior level. I'm very grateful to my employer i.Power Solutions for the many opportunities I've been given to extend my skills and broaden my experience, as well as the support I've had to complete my studies."

Thomas Enston, Churchlands Western Australia

Thomas Enston completed his Certificate III Systems Electrician course with a specialisation in electrical and communications earlier this year. He is now studying to complete his Certificate IV as well as having commenced a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at Curtain University.

Thomas has approached his career and study with great determination and the aim of one day starting his own business in specialised electrical installations. He has taken on a number of extra courses while completing his apprenticeship and worked with several employers to ensure experience in a range of areas while raising the standard of his skills. Thomas' demonstrated high level of practical skills and dedication to his study have resulted in him being recipient of many industry awards including the College of Electrical Training Third Year Apprentice of the Year in 2007 and a Bronze Medal in the 2008 World Skills national competition in Electrical Domestic Installations.

Thomas says his work and study regime has been great fun but also excellent discipline in developing time management skills. "I've always planned to combine a trade with a degree to give me a competitive edge to eventually build my own engineering business in medium scale commercial installations. Starting with a trade has been invaluable as it has given me practical experience to tackle jobs in an engineering company while I am studying. It puts me well ahead of engineering graduates who don't have that practical experience. I really admire the fact that our industry body is putting back into the industry by providing scholarships for further study. The award will certainly help take the pressure off me financially while I complete my degree."

Warwick Kilworth, Electrical Design Manager with BCA Consultants and Thomas' employer, said, "Thomas is a lateral thinker and, with his trade background and proactive attitude, we foresee that he will develop into a resourceful electrical engineer and an essential member of our team."