Holden names 2011 Apprentice of the Year

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – March 30, 2012: Holden electrician Chris Wilksch, 33, has been named Holden’s 2011 Apprentice of the Year.

The R.M Weekley Award recognises the outstanding work and behaviour of final-year Holden apprentices and dates back to1968 with many past winners still with Holden today.

The nominees are judged on not only their academic marks and technical skills but also the behaviour and attitude the apprentices display for the duration of the program.

Since completing his four-year electrical apprenticeship in January 2012, Chris now works in the South Body Shop at Holden Vehicle Operations and was humbled by the award.

“It’s a humbling experience to be named Holden’s 2011 R.M Weekley Award winner. It really is a team effort at Holden and I wouldn’t have learnt as much as I have or be where I am now without the support of my work mates and supervisors,” Chris said.

Holden’s Plant Technical Manager, Faiyaz Khan praised the award winner for his professionalism and attitude to his apprenticeship with Holden.

“Chris is a very worthy winner of this prestigious award. Whether it is feedback from his direct supervisor, work mates or TAFE, across the board they all praised his attitude and commitment to his learning and work,” he said

In a message to Holden’s current apprentices Chris offered some very sound advice.

“The opportunity is what you make of it. Work hard and give it everything you’ve got,” he said.

Holden is a registered training organisation and offers four-year electrical, tool making and mechanical apprenticeships at its Elizabeth facility. Holden apprentices move across the site, gaining experience and developing skills across a broad range of advanced manufacturing technologies under the guidance of experienced and highly-skilled tradespeople.

Holden currently has 64 apprentices on site at Holden Vehicle Operations with the latest intake of first-year apprentices starting at the plant this week.