Apprentice of the Year
Supported by
MEGT
The NSW apprenticeship experts are on your team
For more than 25 years, NSW apprentices, trainees and businesses have trusted MEGT to provide the very best advice and support.
With a well-resourced field team, qualified mentors and administration specialists operating across the state, MEGT ensures a seamless apprenticeship experience from sign-up through to completion.
"MEGT invests in its’ people which is why we’re recognised as a Great Place to Work. The training provided to staff is second-to-none, which helps us consistently achieve completion rates well above the national average and to consistently exceed government quality benchmarks,” says Pauline Hogg, NSW Field Operations Manager.
Field Operations Manager Nick Hunter believes that what makes MEGT different, and a preferred partner of choice for so many, is the genuine care our people have for their customers and a firm focus on customer service. "Honesty, reliability and excellent communication is the key to building strong relationships. Our teams are generous with their time and freely share their expert knowledge.”
Annalise Brouwer
Qualification
Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Newmont
Region
Western NSW Region
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Fascinated with heavy vehicles from the moment she first locked eyes on a dump truck, Annalise Brouwer struck career gold thanks to an apprenticeship. Now, as a champion for women in trades, Annalise hopes to be the industry role model she craved growing up.
Spurred by her love of big trucks, Annalise secured an apprenticeship as a Heavy Plant Mechanic at mining company Newmont. Instantly fitting into the team thanks to her clear passion for the trade, she developed her teamwork capabilities and had her eyes opened to a whole new world.
Keen to change perceptions about women in trades, Annalise is proud to visit schools and career seminars to reinforce that her apprenticeship was the best decision she ever made.
With a Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology now complete (ahead of schedule), Annalise has commenced a dual trade in Automotive Electrical Technology to keep pace with industry progression towards automation and electric motors.
Shane Button
Qualification
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Trained by
NECA Training
Employed by
NECA Electrical Apprenticeships
Hosted by
Fredon Industries Pty Ltd
Region
Southern & South Western Sydney Region
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According to Shane Button, an apprenticeship as an Electrician didn’t just change his life, it saved it.
Working relentlessly to bridge the gap between his education shortcomings and the demands of his apprenticeship, the fruits of Shane’s labours have been abundant.
Initially daunted by the prospect of embarking on a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician as a mature-age apprentice, Shane devoted up to three hours a day to sharpen his technical proficiency. Through his vocational pathway, Shane discovered a foundation to thrive. “VET offered a supportive environment where I could excel despite my educational background as it fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment,” he says.
His rise in self-confidence and love of teamwork made him an asset to his employer as a mentor to fellow Indigenous apprentices, instilling the belief that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.
With his apprenticeship complete, Shane has gained permanent employment in his new career – a testament to his perseverance and passion.
Lauren Calleja
Qualification
Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Thales Australia Ltd
Region
Central & Northern Sydney Region
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Lauren Calleja loves to fix things. Driven by this truth, she applied for a Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship and hasn’t looked back. Hearing of the opportunities an apprenticeship can afford, Lauren applied for a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade with Thales.
Upon securing the position, Lauren was astounded at how easily she found her groove. “I had no idea how fascinating working on a Navy and Commercial vessel would be,” she says. Feeling connected to and inspired by her new career, Lauren had lit a fire that couldn’t be extinguished.
Scoring her greatest professional achievement by completing her apprenticeship, Lauren also secured a permanent role with Thales. And her experience as a mature-age apprentice is something she draws on as she mentors up-and-coming apprentices.
Instilled with a deep sense of gratitude for her journey of learning and discovery, Lauren is considering further vocational study in Engineering (Fluid Power) to enhance her skillset.
Jacinta Ferris
Qualification
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
AGL Macquarie
Region
Hunter & Central Coast Region
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Jacinta Ferris knew she wanted to work with her hands. Now, as a qualified Electrician, she has achieved more than she ever dreamed and is inspiring others to do the same.
Thrilled to be connected to an apprenticeship, Jacinta encountered some outdated attitudes. But rather than letting naysayers pull her down, Jacinta found greater fuel to succeed. “They only made me more determined to become an Electrician,” she says.
Previously a Disability Support Worker, Jacinta was plunged into an entirely new realm of skill development. The transition was huge, but so was the rise in her abilities.
As one of the first members of the Women in Trades group, she generously offered to assist anyone in any stage of their apprenticeship with advice and support.
Jacinta’s now landed her dream job on the biggest coal mine in NSW and is loving her ability to do all the electrical work on her home renovation – she’s saving a fortune!
Rachael Pearson
Qualification
Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Zeal Futures
Hosted by
South 32
Region
Illawarra & South East NSW Region
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Rachael Pearson is a multi-skilled, highly decorated individual with a big future ahead of her. Gaining an apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering and co-captaining the Parramatta Eels NRL/W team, she’s a shining example for what’s possible with vocational education.
Enrolling in a Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade) apprenticeship in mining, Rachael headed to Wollongong to pursue her passions. While undertaking her apprenticeship she played for the St George Illawarra Dragons’ NRL/W team and was selected in the NSW Women’s State of Origin team in 2022 – going on to win the series.
Gaining competency-based completion of her apprenticeship, she is now able to focus on her career as a professional athlete, safe in the knowledge that she will have her trade to come back to after her sporting career ends.
She’s a role model, particularly to young girls who want to play rugby and/or pursue a trade.
Samer Rawas
Qualification
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Endeavour Energy
Region
Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Region
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An electric energy runs through Samer Rawas. Charged with a passion for his craft and a lens on life that reads as pure poetry, Samer is carving out an identity as an Electrician that is entirely his own.
Enrolling in a Certificate III in Electrotechnology, Samer gained an apprenticeship with Endeavour Energy as a Substation Technologist. Trained by a 40-year company-great named Warwick, Samer thrived in the learning-rich environment that formed his day to day.
Everything was clicking, making Samer the ideal candidate to share his successes with the next generation of potential apprentices. Representing his company at careers expos and seminars, he delights in highlighting the opportunities an apprenticeship opened for him.
According to Samer, this message is of vital importance to young people from migrant backgrounds. “I’ve been proud to break the chain and inspire many friends to take the first step to an apprenticeship.” With his qualification complete, Samer is now focused on a Certificate IV in ESI Substations.