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Porsche apprentice honoured
Sydney mechanic awarded gong for Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the YearA 21-year-old apprentice employed by Porsche South Sydney has been named this year's Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year.
Mitchell Blizard (pictured) has earned himself $11,000 worth of prizes, to go with other prizes already in his trophy cabinet, including TAFE NSW Apprentice of the Year 2014, MTA Top Apprentice in Vehicle Trades Award 2014 and NSW Central and Northern Sydney Apprentice of the Year Finalist and Winner 2014.
Blizard is nothing if not ambitious.
"Upon successful completion of my apprenticeship I plan to continue my studies relevant to my industry down the path of business management, allowing me to have the knowledge of an all-round professional," he was quoted saying in a press release.
"It is my goal to extend my training in Automotive Engineering to the level of university degree, allowing me to apply for a job within a Formula One race team, [and to] travel the world as a race engineer."
It's a token of the esteem in which he is held that his employer has reserved places for him in service advising and workshop controlling roles, as well as sending him to Germany to undertake further training at the factory – opportunities that are not usually extended to apprentices.
"He's one of the best I've ever employed," says Porsche South Sydney's Rainer Behrends. "Mitchell applies himself to all sides of the business, from diagnostic challenges, coding and analysing data right through to washing the cars for sale."
The judging panel that settled on Blizard for the win comprised V8 Supercar driver James Moffat, MTA NSW Senior Manager Matthew Frame, Wayne Allan of the Army's School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, and Auto Skills Australia Training Package Specialist Stuart Behrend.
Blizard was one of over a hundred entries for this year's tilt at the title, the sixth consecutive year the competition has been held. His name was shortlisted along with 22 others before coming out on top.
"There are some very inspiring young apprentices out there," said Steve Jones, Snap-on Tools Australia National Sales Manager. "Their energies and efforts in developing their skills, particularly in constantly changing, high tech environments are to be commended. We hope that the Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year Award helps all apprentices recognise that they can become part of a class of highly professional and skilled technicians."
Other apprentices awarded include Martin van de Walt of Kerry's Automotive Group (Rising Star Award) and heavy vehicle apprentice Camron Dixon (Apprentice of the Year Award, Defence Forces).
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Written byCarsales Staff
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