Snap-on Tools on the hunt for Australia and NZ’s best apprentice
Racing legend Todd Kelly joins judging panel
MEDIA RELEASE June 2013
The search for Australia and New Zealand’s top apprentices is set to begin with entries for the annual prestigious Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year opening in August. In its fifth year, the competition will be independently run this year and has been expanded to include apprentices across heavy vehicle, marine, aviation and automotive trades.
Entries will be assessed by an all-star judging panel including V8 Supercar Legend Todd Kelly alongside other industry experts. Judges will be on the lookout for apprentices who have superior technical ability but have also given back to their communities and respective industries.
The overall winner will take home a prize package valued at more than $11,000, including a Snap-on Tools product pack featuring all the essentials to set an apprentice up for life, a 40-inch Roll Cab to store their growing tool collection in, and an all-inclusive package to the Sydney Telstra 500 in Homebush in December 2013.
Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year also features the following award categories:
– Apprentice of the Year Rising Star: for a new apprentice showing talent and promise.
– Community Contribution: for an apprentice who also plays a role in their local community.
– Contribution to Armed Forces: for an apprentice who goes above and beyond to service our armed forces.
Category award winners will receive a trophy and a tool kit valued at more than $2000. Entries and nominations are open at www.snapontools.com.au from 1 August 2013.
Snap-on Tools Australia National Sales Manager, Steve Jones said this year’s competition aims to provide greater recognition of hard working apprentices across a wider range of industries in Australia and New Zealand.
“Over the past four years we’ve seen some incredible talent and passion across the automotive industry,” said Jones. “By expanding the competition to cover more industries like aviation, motorbikes and the defence force, we hope to provide recognition to and reward apprentices who go above and beyond in a wider range of fields.”
“This year Apprentice of the Year is bigger and better than ever. We have some great prizes on offer to those entrants who are not only at the top of their trade, but have also done a lot for their community and industry,” said Jones.
V8 Supercar Legend and judging panel member Todd Kelly, who is also a trained pilot, said he is excited to be supporting industry icon Snap-on Tools in honouring Australia and New Zealand’s hardworking apprentices.
“Apprentices are the backbone of the automotive industry,” Kelly said. “There have been many apprentices who have helped me during my racing career and in my recent aviation training, so I’m thrilled to be part of Snap-on’s effort to recognise those hard working individuals.”
Joining Kelly on the judging panel this year is Auto Skills Australia Training package specialist Stuart Behrend, MTA NSW Senior Manager, Apprenticeship and Traineeship Delivery Matthew Frame, and Snap-on Business Manager and auto engineer Alan Moon.
The competition opens on Thursday 1 August 2013 and closes Sunday 29 September 2013. Entries and nominations are open at www.snapontools.com.au from 1 August 2013. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/SnaponToolsAustralia
