30/03/10

Commitment to Skills Development Highlighted at annual awards

The annual Apprentice and Cadet of the Year Awards for Brisbane-based apprentices were presented at the Toowong Rowing Club on Saturday 27 March. Hutchies currently has over 170 apprentices, 34 ‘future leaders’ and 8 cadets working in our offices from Cairns to Tasmania and demonstrates a genuine commitment to developing a future workforce from within our own ranks.

The Workforce Development Program and the general development of all staff is viewed by the Hutchies Board as critical in ensuring we have the capability and capacity to grow and provide quality outcomes to all stakeholders.. Moreover a skilled workforce better equips us to take on and meet the challenges presented to the construction industry by the continuing effects of the Global Financial Crisis.

Over 120 guests including apprentices, team leaders, site supervisors, sub-contractors, parents, partners and key business associates congratulated this year’ winners and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon overlooking the Brisbane River.

Our Managing Director Greg Quin spoke about the company’s continuing commitment to skills development and highlighted some o f the strategic objectives the company has determined for the coming year.

The 2009 Construction Skills Queensland/Master Builders North Queensland Apprentice of the Year, Giancarlo Pozzebon (or ‘Pozz’ as he likes to be called), who has just completed his apprenticeship with our Townsville Team and is now a leading hand in that team, spoke to the audience about his learning experiences with Hutchies. His presentation showcased why he is considered to be an excellent role model for his peers and highlighted characteristics such as his strong work ethic, his attention to detail, success with study and his good organisational and leadership skills.

This year’s winners were:

- 1st Year Apprentice Encouragement Award-Michael Balzun (James Loveday Team)

- 2nd Year Apprentice Encouragement Award-Nick Robertello (John Belese Team)

- 3rd Year Apprentice Encouragement Award-Andrew Taubman (Harry White Team)

- 4th Year Apprentice Encouragement Award-Bryce Ward (Harry White Team)

- Future Leaders’ Encouragement Award-Alex Avetisoff (Fred Brands/Russell Fryer Teams)

- Cadet of the Year-Tom Wilson (Russell Fryer Team)

- Apprentice of the Year-Max Finlayson and Aiden Holmes (Russell Fryer Team)

Congratulations to you all.

This year’s tie for Apprentice of the Year was a first and indicated the strong competition for this prize and the depth of capability within our apprentice ranks.

Ultimately it is our Teams and key subcontractors who determine the success of our skills development programs because without their continued support and willingness to give our young people the work experiences and training they need we would not be able to create the skilled workforce so vitally important to our future.