The search is on for MTA Apprentice of the Year

The search is on to find MTA Apprentice of the Year 2010

The search is on once again to find the Motor Trade Association (MTA) Apprentice of the year 2010, and MTA is encouraging automotive businesses from all sectors of the industry to put forward their top apprentices.

The long running MTA Apprentice of the Year Award aims to reward the skills of talented apprentices and employers who are investing in the future and the skills of the automotive industry.

This year’s competition is expected to be bigger and better than ever, especially with the merger of the traditional theory based ‘Apprentice of the Year’ contest with the practical, hands-on ‘MTA Apprentice Challenge’.

MTA Event Organiser, Natalie Price, says the competition not only recognises the best in the automotive industry, but it’s a great opportunity for apprentices to showcase their talents and fast track their skills and career development.

“The standard of entries just gets better and better each year. Our MTA Members do a good job training their apprentices, and as a result is there is a lot of great talent out there. It’s also pleasing to see so many young apprentices enthusiastic about the competition as they are our future automotive technicians.”

Last year’s winner James O’Connor was nominated by his manager Chopper Penson, of Prestige Commercial Vehicle Limited, Timaru and like many MTA Members, Chopper believes that ongoing training is the secret to any industry success

“This has been a great training opportunity for James, and he is now looking at adding an auto electrical apprenticeship to his belt – by the time he finishes he will be more qualified than me!” laughs Chopper.

James is about to complete his third National Certificate in Motor Industry qualification which includes; Automotive Engineering and Automotive Heavy Engineering with strands in road transport and plant and equipment. However, James’ special interest and long-term goal is in vehicle manufacturing and design, more particularly in furthering engine development and performance for new car manufacturing.

The competition aims to provide automotive apprentices with a challenging, but fun and practical competition. Each apprentice will be tasked with a bookwork test and a practical challenge, followed by a panel interview.

The winner will win a trip to Surfers Paradise to work with Greg Murphy and the Castrol Racing Pit crew, $2000 cash prize and a potential study grant from MITO.

The deadline for entries is Friday 30 July 2010. The competition is run by the MTA with assistance from MITO and WELTEC.

For information about MTA Apprentice of the Year and to download the nomination form visit: www.mta.org.nz/challenge.

ENDS

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