Training Awards – 2007/2008

Each August, the Rotary Club of Melbourne, sets aside one meeting to celebrate “Training Awards Day”.  This day reinforces the long association the Club has had in promoting apprentices and supporting post compulsory education and training.

The Vocational Services Committee, on behalf of the Club selects up to four apprentices from those nominated to receive Victorian Training Awards for Outstanding Student of the Year.  The Club’s selection of awardees is independent of the state awards and is normally held prior to the Victorian awards.

The Club awards a certificate of recognition and achievement and a cheque for $500.00.

One of the awardees is also named the Frank Newman Apprentice of the Year and receives a summary citation describing Rotarian Frank’s outstanding involvement in apprenticeship training over many years.

Traditionally, the awardees are introduced to the Club, presented with their certificate and cheques by the President and Frank Newman and then are invited to address the Club briefly on their experiences as an apprentice and their future aspirations.

This year, the 2007 Rotary Club of Melbourne Apprentices of the Year were:

Dean Dallinger

Dean is from Sunbury.  He completed Certificate III in General Construction (Carpentry – Framework/Formwork/Finishing) at the University of Ballarat in December 2006 winning the Edgar Bartrop Scholarship – Award for Excellence, the Master Builders Association of Victoria – Best Overall Student, and the Laminex Group - Award for Excellence.  Dean has just been named as the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year in the 2007 Victorian Training Awards.  He is currently employed by the Cooper Group Australia and finishes his apprenticeship early next year. 

Jee Mee (Jaime) Leow

Jaime is originally from Malaysia.  Among other courses she has completed Certificate III in Retail Baking – Combined (Pastry and Breadmaking) at the William Angliss Institute of TAFE where she was so highly regarded that she has been invited to return as a teacher. Among other competitions she won a Gold Medal for plated desserts, was national winner of both the Callebut Easter Egg Competition 2006 and the Australian Baking Industry National Awards in 2005, and won the William Angliss Honey competition in 2006. 

Jaime has completed her apprenticeship as a pastry chef at Crown and is currently studying full-time for Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology. 

John Rist

John is also from Sunbury.  He completed Certificate III  Electrotechnology Systems Electrician at Kangan Batman TAFE at the end of last year.  He is employed by CEC Electrical and will finish his apprenticeship in December.

John has averaged high distinctions throughout his training.  Among several other awards from Batman Kangan he won both Best Student  (from over 27,000), and Apprentice of the Year 2006.  Nominated by his employer, he was also awarded Australian Industrial Apprentice of the Year by the National Electrical and Communications Association, which included a trip to Europe.

John has been chosen by the Vocational Services Committee as the Frank Newman Apprentice of the Year and receives this award in recognition of Frank’s outstanding contribution to Rotary and apprenticeship training over many years.

Please click on images to enlarge.

WOY Chairperson Cynthia Edgell introduces the Apprentice Of The Year Award Winners

President Peter makes the award to Leow Jee Mee

PP Frank Newman presents the award in his name to John Rist

President Peter presents the award to Deam Dallinger

PP Frank Newman addresses the Club

Apprentices Of The Year - Leow Jee Mee, Dean Dallinger and John Rist