Matthew Tassell, employed by Novaskill and hosted by J.A. Martin Electrical, saw off tough competition from other talented apprentices across a broad range of industries to take the outright award as the apprentice of the year.

Reflecting on his win, Matthew said “I’m really happy as this makes all the hard work at TAFE and on the job worth it. I’m also really thankful to have received such great training through J.A. Martin with the ongoing support of Novaskill.”

Matthew progressed through his apprenticeship with high praise and consistently received feedback from his supervisors, TAFE teachers and peers as someone who was a role model and mentor for the other apprentices.

Matthew’s supervisor describes his “ability to self-start, forward plan and learn fast have been qualities not commonly possessed by a lot of apprentices, and this consistently made him the most requested apprentice among our tradesman”.

Craig White, Group Training Manager of Novaskill, said: “Matthew is a great ambassador for J.A. Martin Electrical and for the apprenticeship model of employment coupled with training. Matthew demonstrated the dedication to learn new skills, develop his knowledge, and build a long-term career in the electrical industry.”

“Apprenticeships are at the heart of workforce development in this country, helping to build a highly skilled and talented workforce, that live and work in our local communities.”

“With recent government wage subsidies and policies to support apprentices and trainees, now is a great time to create employment opportunities and ensure business develops the skilled workers it needs today to continue to grow in the future.”

“Group Training Organisations play a key role in helping to commence, retain and complete apprentices through our links with local businesses, employers, schools, TAFEs and other quality training providers. Through our apprentice mentoring and business support we can really cushion the impact of the current economic climate for host employers, whilst helping to stimulate apprentice employment and higher completion rates.”

Novaskill is part of a network of Group Training Organisations across Australia that currently employs some 25,000 apprentices and trainees, hosted by small businesses through to large local governments. With over 40 years of experience working with host employers and apprentices, Novaskill provides a unique avenue to match high quality host employers with work-ready apprentices and trainees that are supported through to completion.

 

The 2020 NSW/ACT Group Training Awards are coordinated by The Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT, who proudly support not-for-profit Group Training Organisations (GTOs) in NSW and the ACT.