Scoring a silver medal at the 2016 National WorldSkills Australia competition was just the beginning for two talented young tradespeople named winners of the prestigious BBM Youth Mentoring Award.
Lake Macquarie’s Cejay Alsop and Central Coast’s Matthew Hurley are among 16 elite, young tradespeople selected to take part in the BBM Youth Support for Skilled Futures Scholarship.
After their recent awards at the National WordSkills Australia competition, both men will have the opportunity to further their training and professional development through work experience in the UK.
21-year-old Cejay is employed by DMF Constructions in Lake Macquarie and completed his trade level qualification and apprenticeship in early 2016.
He has achieved both a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Light Fabrication) and a Certificate IV in Engineering (Fabrication) through TAFE NSW and is currently working toward gaining advanced level trade certifications to further develop his skills.
Cejay said he is eagerly researching potential construction companies in the UK, with sights set on a placement with a company using advanced manufacturing technologies such as CNC Robotic Welding Technology.
“When putting together my application for the scholarship, the main thing I wanted to achieve if I was successful was to learn about as many different techniques and technologies being used in my industry as possible,” Cejay said.
“So I’m hoping to secure a placement with a company that is really leading in its field and develop my skills and knowledge to become a better tradesman.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Assistant Minister for Skills, Adam Marshall MP, said Cejay and Matthew are two shining examples of the quality, hardworking and determined students who have graduated from TAFE NSW.
“Cejay and Matthew have achieved so much in their careers,” Adam said.
“They have not only represented the Hunter and Central Coast at WorldSkills and earned silver medals, but they are now being rewarded for their commitment to education and skills training at TAFE and will become even better young tradespeople thanks to the opportunities the BBM Youth Mentoring Award will afford them.”
The $8,000 scholarship program is designed to enhance the participants’ career prospects and provide them with invaluable international experience in their respective trades and skills. Typically, awardees spend a minimum of one month in the UK, but more often than not stay longer to build their international networks or undertake field trips to other parts of Europe to further their knowledge.
IMAGE | Cejay Alsop will travel to the UK to further his training and professional work experience through the BBM Youth Mentoring Award.
