Annual Snap-on Tools apprentice prize opens

The search to find the 2015 Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year opens today (July 1).

Apprentices across Australia and New Zealand from areas including heavy vehicles, marine, aviation and automotive will flex their muscles in the seventh annual Snap-on Tools apprentice competition.

The competition awards the top entrant with a prize package valued at more than $12,000 and is judged by a panel including V8 Supercar driver Michael Caruso as well as representatives from the Australian Army, Auto Skills Australia, the Motor Traders Association and the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.

Judgement criteria will embrace elements such as the technical ability, knowledge and skills of contenders, reflecting their overall status in highly-technical disciplines.

Two other awards are in the offing too: There’s the Apprentice of the Year Rising Star award for an apprentice showing particular talent and promise, and a Contribution to Armed Forces award for an apprentice who excels in service to the armed forces.

The overall winner’s prize package includes a Snap-on Tools product pack providing all the essentials to set an apprentice up for life, plus a flat black 40-inch roll cab for storage, as well as numerous accessories. The category winners will receive a selection of prizes that are valued at more than $2500.

"The competition in the Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year is tough – and we want it to be," said Snap-on Tools Australia National Sales Manager Steve Jones.

“Snap-on Tools prides itself on putting high quality tools into the hands of technicians, mechanics and engineers across the world. So we’re looking for apprentices who personify our brand, who are at the top of their game and know that the future is all theirs.”

Former winner Steven Smolkowicz said: “The Snap-on award was great for me. It helped me get to take part in other workshops and I got to know great new people, expanding my network in the industry. Of course the tools have been great, both at work and in fixing up my own car.

“I’ve got my ticket, of course, and I’m doing a Certificate IV in advanced diagnosis. Now I’m getting into the business side of things, getting into the books, so that hopefully one day I can run my own shop.”

Entries for the 2015 Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year competition close at 5:00pm on August 31.

To enter, or nominate, go to the website www.snapontools.com.au.