To promote the profile of the Sheetmetal Industry and the prestige of the awards the SIA decided that the awards night is a way to get sponsors, major suppliers and government involved, as well as partners such as Australian Industry Group (AIG) and TAFE. The SIA held the Apprentice of the Year Awards night and industry dinner at “Star City” Casino.

Mr Colin Johnsen, President of the SIA and CEO of FJ Precision opened the evenings proceeds with the official welcome and introduced our special guests, Barry Collier, MP State Member for Miranda, Mark Goodsell, NSW Director Australian Industry Group (AIG) and Peter Wright, Director TAFE NSW Manufacturing & Engineering Division,

The presentation commenced with Mr Walter Suber, Business Development Manager of Onesteel George Ward Sheet & Coil, introducing the six finalists, who were presented with a certificate and commemorative plaque.

The recipients of the major awards were:
Encouragement Award : David Astone, nominated by teacher Gin Crnkovic
Highly Commended : Craig Greentree, nominated by teacher Tony Cartwright

“Apprentice of the Year”
Justin Davis, nominated by teacher Mario Camilleri

“Encouragement Award” Presented to David Astone by Peter Wright

“Highly Commended Award” Presented to Craig Greentree by MarkGoodsell

The evening was spectacular as we had all the right elements; the venue, a magician, guest speaker, presenters of the awards, entertainment, dancing and dinner. All agreed that it was a fantastic evening.