Major sponsors of the award were Total Steel of Australia Pty. Ltd. and Dulux Australia Powder Coating. Minor sponsors included FJ Precision Pty. Ltd; Atkins Carlyle Ltd; George Ward Sheet & Coil and the Sheetmetal Industry Association (SIA).

Recipient of the Apprentice of the Year award was James Laney employed by Versitile Metal Design in Hornsby. He attended North Sydney College of TAFE and was nominated by his teacher Ray Hill.

The runner up was Matthew Duncan attendee of the Mount Druitt TAFE, nominated by teacher Tony Cartwright and employed by Insultech Group Pty. Ltd. at Seven Hills.

The formal presentation of the award to James Laney by the major sponsors was conducted at Total Steel of Australia Pty. Ltd; where he was presented with over $1,500 in prizes and a commemorating plaque in recognition of his achievements. Matthew Duncan was presented with the runner up prizes as acknowledgement for his efforts.


From left: Philip Walker (Dulux), James Laney (Apprentice of the Year), Lyell Morris (Total Steel), Ian Wilson (Wilson & Gilkes - President SIA) and seated Walter Suber (George Ward Sheet & Coil)