Industry welcomes its ‘star' recruits

by Bob Wonders on 19 Aug 2010 The marine engines of NSW would seem to be in very good hands, make that extremely good hands, following the awarding of TAFE Graduation Certificates held during the Sydney International Boat Show.
For one recipient, the awards night was certainly one to remember.

In fact, remember the name Jason Winter!

The 21-year-old from Albion Park claimed three awards, the Boating Industry Association of NSW Award for maintaining consistently high marks in theory and practice during three-years attendance at the Sydney TAFE, the Aquapro Award for achieving the highest pass in Year 3 and the Society of Automotive Engineers Award for the highest average of any marine mechanic apprentice in NSW.

Jason was one of five recipients of awards at the gala presentation.

The awards are made to apprentices and trainees on their successful completion of Certificate 111 (3) I the Marine Mechanics Course at the Sydney Institute of TAFE, Ultimo.

Bill Breakspear, Head Teacher of the course, described the current award recipients as ‘perhaps the finest group of young mechanics yet honoured.'

The Marine Mechanics Course involves a four-year, employer-supported apprenticeship, together with three-year attendance at the institute.

Jason Winter described his feelings after achieving three awards in one word – ‘Stoked,' he declared.

He still works for the dealership he joined as a first year apprentice in 2007, Leisure Coast Marine, at Fairy Meadow, on the NSW Illawarra coast.

Jason still lives with is parents at Albion Park and it was at the local Albion Park High School where he graduated with his HSC and made the decision to pursue a mechanical career.

He credits his father, an electrician and skilled self-taught mechanic, for his interest in engines.

To his credit, Jason is happy working on any engine – outboard, stern drive or inboard.

'They're all engines, 'he said, simply.

Other recipients of awards comprised Christopher Jones, Nathan Schulte, Brett Fox and Liam McKenzie.

Christopher Jones received the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers Award, given to the student who shows outstanding achievement and demonstrates a ‘particular flair' for the marine industry.

The prestigious Yamaha Award was presented by industry stalwart, Yamaha's Martin Dwyer, to Nathan Schulte.

It comprises a perpetual shield acknowledging special merit for performance and attitude during the course and is only awarded after consultation with the recipient's employer in order to recognise workplace and study attitude.

Another perpetual trophy was presented with the equally prestigious Mercury Marine Award, presented by the company's technical adviser, Steve Troy, to Brett Fox.

Brett gained the award for the highest pass achieved in the second year of studies and for showing ‘exceptional ability' in the early stages of study.

It was none other than the Head Teacher himself, Bill Breakspear, who was called on to present the final award.

Liam McKenzie was named Rookie of the Year, an award given by the Marine Industry Mechanical Repairers Association (MIMRA) of which the same Bill Breakspear happens to be chairman.

'My days as a rookie are a bit behind me, but I'm delighted to present this award to such an outstanding youngster' he said.