Twice is nice for Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre
Two Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre (Ai Group ATC) apprentices have been named as finalists for prestigious awards in Victoria.
Zelman Wilkinson is in the running for the Apprentice Employment Network (AEN) 2024 Apprentice Training Awards’ Inspiration Award: Indigenous Student of the Year while Mitchell Adams is a finalist for the STAR (Stop Taking a Risk) Award.
Zelman, a 4th-year apprentice in Electronics and Communications is hosted to Dallas Delta, a telecommunications equipment supplier in Campbellfield.
His dedication to his craft, coupled with his commitment to sharing his cultural heritage, sets a powerful example for apprentices and students alike.
Throughout his apprenticeship, Zelman has taken on leadership roles, mentored fellow apprentices and demonstrated the importance of collaboration and teamwork.
Recently, he was part of a TAFE advertising campaign to promote career opportunities within the electronics and communications industry.
Zelman’s connection to his Indigenous heritage plays a crucial role in his journey.
He has actively engaged in initiatives that benefit his community and has made a positive impact through projects such as assisting in the manufacturing of phones designed for remote Indigenous communities.
Mitchell’s nomination for the STAR Award reflects his outstanding commitment to workplace safety and his proactive approach to creating a safer work environment.
Mitch, hosted to ARB Corporation in Kilsyth, has nearly finished his apprenticeship in Electricals, which he started after completing an apprenticeship in Mechanical Fitting.
He consistently leads discussions during toolbox meetings, offering valuable insights and suggestions for improving safety practices.
A notable example of his innovative thinking is his design of an interlock system for lathe operations in the ARB tool room.
This system prevents the machine from operating unless the chuck key is securely in place, which significantly reduces the risk of accidental injuries.
Mitch’s leadership skills and initiative meant he was also nominated for the Apprentice of the Year award.
Ai Group ATC is super proud of Zelman and Mitch and wish them all the best at the awards ceremony in Melbourne in November.