Apprentice of the Month: February 2024

Our Apprentice of the Month for February is Izak Lorton!

This month, we shine the spotlight on Izak Lorton, a Mechanical Engineering apprentice at the Australian National Fabrication Facility (within – Uni SA) in Adelaide who’s not only making waves within his team but also forging a national path for apprenticeships within ANFF.

Izak’s dedication and skill are evident in everything he does. He’s a reliable team member, consistently demonstrating professionalism and an eagerness to take on responsibility. This has earned him the trust of his colleagues, who actively involve him in decision-making processes for “first-of-its-kind” machining projects.

His impact extends beyond his immediate team. Izak has been recognized across the national ANFF network, already paving the way for a more standardised approach to apprenticeships across all nodes. His upcoming interstate visits will further solidify his role as a national leader in this area.

But Izak’s contributions go even deeper. His strong work ethic and ability to learn from challenges have made him an asset to the technical team, which boasts expertise in fields like Formula 1 R&D and satellite component manufacture. He’s even trusted as a first contact for clients, demonstrating his exceptional communication skills and understanding of complex projects.

Recently, Izak’s involvement in two research projects truly highlights the impact of his work. He collaborated with researchers developing cancer treatment technologies and managing age-related eye deterioration, showcasing his contribution to cutting-edge advancements.
Beyond his technical prowess, Izak’s dedication to safety is commendable. He actively participates in the monthly safety review team, setting an example for his peers and ensuring a safe work environment for everyone.

Izak’s story is an inspiration to aspiring apprentices and a testament to the power of dedication, talent, and a supportive environment. He’s not just mastering his craft; he’s shaping the future of apprenticeships within ANFF and contributing to groundbreaking research projects.

Congratulations, Izak, on being our February Apprentice of the Month! You are truly an exceptional individual making a remarkable difference.

Our Host

Australian National Fabrication Facility

The Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) which sits within Uni SA was founded in 2007 to overcome hurdles to R&D success by providing open access to micro and nanofabrication equipment, essential to Australia’s scientific and economic future. It was one of nine original research infrastructure facilities that was established under the Commonwealth’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

We are thrilled that the team at ANFF were able to create an opportunity for an apprentice to join their engineering team and look forward to a long term relationship with the team at ANFF!