Apprentice of the Year

Hayden Bradshaw looked surprised – but nobody else did – when the highly talented 21-year-old was named the 2020 Apprentice of the Year on Friday 11 June.

“I wasn’t expecting it!” said Hayden, who has completed his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology to become a qualified motor mechanic.

“It’s a great honour, I wouldn’t be here without my family, my boss and the other apprentices.”

The former Ocean View College student from North Haven has embraced life as an MTA apprentice, including time as a member of the MTA’s Motorsport Repair Team at The Bend.

The award recognised his outstanding performance during his four years at host employer, Kym’s Auto Repairs at Birkenhead. In addition to his outstanding skills, he brings an exceptional customer service attitude into the industry.

“My favourite part is just giving back to customers – seeing the smile on a customer’s face when the car is fixed or it comes in not running and leaves the workshop running,” he said.

“When they notice the difference once they get it back is very rewarding,” he said in front of a record number of MTA graduates.

Hayden’s achievement capped off a night that included a record 197 graduates and six award winners at the annual South Australian Graduation and Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony at Adelaide Oval.

Another highlight of the night saw Katie Stewart awarded the prestigious Bob Goldsworthy Award for outstanding performance in a body repair apprenticeship.

MTA CEO, Paul Unerkov said “the graduating apprentices are entering the automotive industry at a revolutionary turning point.

“Their apprenticeship has occurred at a time of the biggest change in the automotive industry and with the skills shortage facing the industry in South Australia, their career opportunities are endless!

“An apprenticeship is a rewarding and challenging experience and I thank the apprentices’ family, our training and employment staff, the hosts, employers and MTA members, who

all play a critical role in supporting each graduate.

“The MTA continues to increase the number of automotive graduates each year with a record high 197 graduating apprentices. The MTA is the largest automotive-specific training organisation with over 900 apprentices in training and over 450 employed.”

Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni, the special guest speaker for the evening, said “the journey these apprentices have undertaken over the past four years really sets them up for a successful career in the automotive industry.

“South Australia’s outstanding efforts in controlling COVID-19 and the Marshall Government’s massive investment in skills training has us leading the nation in the creation of paid apprenticeships and traineeships.

“With the combined training subsidies from the Marshall and Morrison Governments worth more than $30,000 for each employer for every new apprentice, there has never been a better time to take on an apprentice or trainee.”