Media releases

VACC honours next auto generation

6 May 2022

During Australia’s most acute labour shortage in living memory 248 apprentices have entered the automotive workforce, thanks to the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC).

At an invitation-only gala event in Melbourne – hosted by Shane Jacobson – the VACC Automotive Apprenticeships group scheme recognised graduating apprentices and trainees.

Eight award winners also received recognition for outstanding achievements during their short automotive careers.

• The winner of VACC Apprentice of the Year was Daniel Balliro. Daniel has completed a Certificate III in Light Vehicle. Host business: Northern Motor Group in Bundoora.
   
• The winner of TACC Apprentice of the Year was Will Dodge. Will has completed a Certificate III in Light Vehicle. Host business: Hobart Mitsubishi.
   
• The Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice award went to Hayden Smith, who completed a Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreter). Host business: Warragul City Motors. 
   
• The winner of the Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice was Aiden Evans who is currently completing a Certificate III in Light Vehicle. Host business: Mornington Mitsubishi and Isuzu Ute. 
   
• Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice went to Samuel Lee who is currently completing a Certificate III in Light Vehicle. Host business: Princi Motors in Silvan. 
   
• The winner of the Outstanding Trainee of the Year was Joel Williams (Certificate II in Automotive Services). Host business: Aldek Automotive Services in Croydon South.
   
• The VACC Progressive Excellence Award was won by Jack Black (Certificate III in Light Vehicle). Host business: Kevin Dennis Motors in Deer Park.
   
• The winner of the TACC Progressive Excellence Award was Sam Mitchell, who is currently completing a Certificate III in Light Vehicle. Host business: Jackmans Garage in Moonah.

“VACC congratulates all apprentice and trainee graduates, and award winners,” said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.

“Training and placing skilled workers into the automotive industry is amongst the most important work VACC does.

“The automotive industry nationwide is struggling to fill the 32,000 positions currently available. VACC Automotive Apprenticeships – led by Nigel Muller – is Australia’s largest automotive apprenticeship provider. 

“The VACC Automotive Apprenticeships team does a magnificent job playing its part in supporting the automotive industry with the next generation of skilled workers across most sectors of the industry.”    

ENDS