Four out of eight Programmed Skilled Workforce (PSW) apprentices and trainees have taken home awards at the 2019 Hunter Region Apprenticeship and Traineeships Awards.
This included a stellar win for Maddison Clarke who took the top prize in the ‘Female in Non-Traditional Trades’ category.
Congratulations to:
- Maddison Clarke – Automotive Plant Mechanic and Female in Non-Traditional Trade
- William Hammond – Engineering Mechanical
- Dane Castles – Telecommunications
- Russell Paplauskas – Surface Extractions Operations – Mining
Congratulations also to our finalists on the evening: Benjamin Riley, Bradley Kirkwood, Peter Wiseman and Matthew Stammer.
Maddison completed her heavy plant mechanical apprenticeship with us earlier this year at Yancoal’s Mount Thorley Warkworth site in the Hunter Valley NSW. Maddison is now a fully qualified tradesperson, working with a local NSW mining maintenance company based out of Four Mile and Rix’s Creek mines.
Maddison said that “It was an honour to just be nominated, making it to the finals was such an achievement! But winning the award for my trade was an incredible feeling! I’m so proud of myself and the tradesperson I’ve become.”
Russell was similarly chuffed just to be nominated. Russell Paplauskas completed his Dump Truck Operator Traineeship with us this year, based at Liddell Coal Operations in the Hunter Valley. Russell is now a fully qualified operator and has secured permanent employment directly with Liddell, following his traineeship.
“When I first found out that I was nominated for Trainee of the Year for Surface Extraction Operations, I was truly humbled to be recognized and to represent Programmed as one of their valued trainees. To take out the Trainee of the Year Award, it has truly been a rewarding experience.”
Training Services East Manager Connie Scardamaglia is extremely proud of the Programmed winners and finalists. “The Hunter Region Apprenticeship and Traineeships Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all people building their skills and starting new career pathways in the region. I am thrilled that our people have been recognised for all their hard work and dedication,” Connie said.
