Southern Downs Regional Council mechanic, Brodie Ellery, recently took top honours for his region as part of the 2016 Queensland Training Awards.
Mr Ellery was named Apprentice of the Year for the Darling Downs South West region at a regional awards ceremony on July 22 in Toowoomba.
He was one of three regional finalists selected as part of the in the 55th Queensland Training Awards (QTA), to contest the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year.
The award recognises people of the highest calibre who have achieved great things locally in their apprenticeships.
Mr Ellery completed his Diesel Fitter apprenticeship with Council in November last year, achieving a Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
Southern Downs Mayor, Tracy Dobie offered hearty congratulations to Mr Ellery on his success in the QTA regional round.
“Brodie is an outstanding young man who deserves this Award in recognition of his achievements throughout his apprenticeship, and Council is very proud of him,” said the mayor.
As a regional winner, Mr Ellery will now progress to the state finals of the prestigious Queensland Training Awards at a gala dinner on September 9 in Brisbane.
“We’re ecstatic that his efforts and work ethic have been acknowledged at the regional level, and we’ll all be behind him when he represents the region in the State round in September.
“Brodie is a terrific ambassador for the Southern Downs and a tremendous role model to young people in our region.
“He epitomises the notion that hard work, dedication and a passion for what you do, really can bring great rewards.”
Reflecting on his award, Mr Ellery said he was shocked but excited to win.
“I feel privileged and see the award as a reward for all the hard work I’ve put in and I feel that I’ve achieved something worthwhile.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to represent the region at the state training awards, and I’m hoping I can go further.”
Mr Ellery’s Council supervisor, Clinton Henry, said he was really pleased, noting his drive and self-motivation.
“Brodie is always keen to listen and learn. He’s got great ability and just wants to have a go,” said Mr Henry.
Rusty Pierini, Heavy Vehicle Automotive Teacher with TAFE South West’s Warwick Campus said, “I wasn’t surprised by Brodie’s win. He was always engaged, and I just knew he would do well”.
Mr Ellery also earned the gold award at a recent 2015 Regional World
Skills competition.
