Riviera congratulates Craig Folker - Apprentice of the Year

by Stephen Milne on 18 Sep 2009
Bright spark Craig Folker is on cloud nine after being named this year’s Apprentice of the Year at the 48th Queensland Training Awards on Friday night.

The 21-year-old from Paradise Point on the Gold Coast finished his electrical apprenticeship in June this year and is moving forward in leaps and bounds after winning the regional finals, which were held on the Gold Coast in July.

The Queensland Training Awards are the State Government’s longest-running and most prestigious vocational awards recognising outstanding achievement and world-class training.

Craig celebrated his 21st birthday on September 5 and felt honoured to represent Riviera and the Gold Coast at the state finals.

He said winning Queensland’s Apprentice of the Year was the icing on the cake and looked forward to representing the state at the national finals in November.

'I am absolutely over the moon and I see winning this award as recognition for the hard work and commitment required to be successful within the industry,' he said.

'I have received a terrific amount of support during my apprenticeship and I am honoured to take home the state title as well.

'At Riviera we produce a boat that I am very proud of and I have a huge passion for the marine industry. I enjoy my work here and if the opportunity arose I would love to move up the ranks, it’s certainly an impressive company and I see a successful future here.

'It’s exciting to have these results directly after my graduation and I feel as though I am reaping the benefits of the apprenticeship program.'

Riviera chief executive officer John Anderson was impressed with Craig’s professionalism at the Queensland Training Awards.

'Craig has dealt with this with an incredible amount of grace, I was very impressed with how he handled himself at the awards and he is a credit to Riviera,' said Mr Anderson.

Riviera’s electrical manager Rob Wright said Craig had a bright future ahead of him and he wished him every success at the national finals.

'I think he has done very well and he deserves recognition for the effort he has put in,' he said.

'I can see him moving forward in leaps and bounds if he keeps the same drive. He needs to step forward and take a bow because what he has done to date is a great achievement.'

Minister for Education and Training Geoff Wilson said the awards recognised the importance of skills training.

'Our world-class education and training opportunities provide a competitive advantage in a global market, where it’s imperative to stay at the cutting edge,' he said.

The state winners will go on to compete at the Australian Training Awards, which will be held in Canberra in November.

For more information, please go to www.riviera.com.au