As the largest employer of automotive apprentices in South Australia, the MTA Automotive Graduation & Awards is a recognition of the best of South Australian Automotive apprentices, and the culmination of four years' work for our graduating apprentices, and includes various awards such as the prestigious Apprentice of the Year.
The 2025 awards will feature the following categories:- Bob Goldsworthy Award
This award is to recognise an MTA or industry-employed Automotive Body Repair or Automotive Refinishing apprentice in their 3rd or 4th year of training at the MTA’s Royal Park Training Centre. The recipient should demonstrate exceptional commitment to the automotive industry and have made significant contributions in their workplace. The recipient should also demonstrate a strong passion for their trade whilst prioritising workplace health and safety.
- Most Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice
This award is to recognise an MTA or industry-employed 1st year automotive apprentice who trains at either the MTA’s Royal Park, Bordertown or Cleve Training Centre or is an MTA GTO apprentice who trains at TAFE or another RTO. The recipient should demonstrate commitment and show passion towards the automotive industry and their studies, and uphold workplace health and safety.
- Most Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice
This award is to recognise an MTA or industry-employed 2nd year automotive apprentice who trains at either the MTA’s Royal Park, Bordertown or Cleve Training Centre or is an MTA GTO apprentice who trains at TAFE or another RTO. The recipient should demonstrate commitment and show passion towards the automotive industry and their studies, and uphold workplace health and safety.
- Most Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice
This award is to recognise an MTA or industry-employed 3rd year automotive apprentice who trains at either the MTA’s Royal Park, Bordertown or Cleve Training Centre or is an MTA GTO apprentice who trains at TAFE or another RTO. The recipient should demonstrate commitment and show passion towards the automotive industry and their studies, and uphold workplace health and safety.
- Apprentice of the Year
This award is to recognise an MTA or industry-employed 4th year automotive apprentice who trains at either the MTA’s Royal Park, Bordertown or Cleve Training Centre or is an MTA GTO apprentice who trains at TAFE or another RTO. The recipient should demonstrate exceptional dedication and fervour for the industry, actively pursuing learning opportunities and distinguish themselves by exceeding expectations. In addition, the recipient should exhibit outstanding initiative and passion in their workplace whilst also prioritising workplace health and safety.
- Female Apprentice of the Year
This award is to recognise an MTA GTO or industry-employed female apprentice in their 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th year, trains at either the MTA’s Royal Park, Bordertown or Cleve Training Centre or is an MTA GTO apprentice who trains at TAFE or another RTO. The recipient should showcase exceptional dedication to the automotive industry, contributing significantly to their workplace. They demonstrate a deep passion for their trade and maintain a strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
- Most Outstanding School-based Apprentice of the Year
This award is to recognise an MTA GTO or industry-employed school-based automotive apprentice who trains at either the MTA’s Royal Park, Bordertown or Cleve Training Centre or is an MTA GTO apprentice who trains at TAFE or another RTO. The recipient should demonstrate commitment and show passion towards the automotive industry and their studies, and uphold workplace health and safety.
- Royal Park Training Centre Apprentice of the Year
This award recognises a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th year automotive apprentice who trains at the MTA’s Royal Park Training Centre. The recipient should demonstrate a strong passion for their trade whilst prioritising workplace health and safety.
- Cleve Training Centre Apprentice of the Year
This award is to recognise a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th year automotive apprentice who trains at the MTA’s Cleve Training Centre. The recipient should demonstrate a strong passion for their trade whilst prioritising workplace health and safety.
- VET in School Student of the Year Award
This award is to recognise an MTA Certificate II Student that trains at either the MTA’s Royal Park, St Patrick’s Technical College or Underdale High School and shows commitment and passion for the industry, towards learning and is a model student.
- VET Coordinator of the Year Award
This award acknowledges a VET Coordinator currently employed at a South Australian private or government school, who demonstrates a strong commitment and passion for the automotive industry, fosters a love of learning, and plays a pivotal role in inspiring young students to begin their careers in the automotive field.
- Industry Employer of the Year Award
This award aims to recognise a South Australian automotive apprentice employer who exemplifies unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for the industry. The recipient prioritises the health, well-being, and professional growth of their employees, fostering an environment conducive to enhancing the skills necessary for the advancement of the automotive sector.
- MTA Host Employer of the Year
This award aims to recognise a South Australian automotive apprentice host employer who exemplifies unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for the industry. The recipient prioritises the health, well-being, and professional growth of their employees, fostering an environment conducive to enhancing the skills necessary for the advancement of the automotive sector.
- Trainer of the Year
This award is to recognise an MTA Trainer, across all three training centres in South Australia and all trades, who demonstrates commitment and passion towards ensuring the next generation of automotive professionals are equipped with the right skills for the industry. In addition, this trainer upholds the MTA values, promise and makes workplace health and safety a priority.
- Emerging Trainer of the Year
This award is to recognise an MTA Emerging Trainer, across all three training centres in South Australia and all trades, who demonstrates commitment and passion towards ensuring the next generation of automotive professionals are equipped with the right skills for the industry. In addition, this trainer upholds the MTA values, promise and makes workplace health and safety a priority.
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The MTA extends our congratulations to the apprentices in this year's graduating class.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate an Apprentice for these awards. Nominations are now closed, but for more details, contact graduation@mtasant.com.au