AGWA Apprentice Awards

2021 New South Wales Apprentice Awards

Apprentices are the future of the glass and window industry. The annual AGWA Apprentice Awards aim to recognise excellence and honour their achievements.

State Apprentice of the Year Award

The State Apprentice of the Year is an apprentice who demonstrate the highest level of capability and quality workmanship out of all candidates in their state.

To be eligible for this award the apprentice must have been 21 or younger when they commenced their apprenticeship and must not have completed their apprenticeship before 1 June 2020.

Each winner from this category goes forward as the state entry for the National Apprentice of the Year Award.

2021 New South Wales Apprentice of the Year

Michael O'Rourke

Protec Aluminium & Glazing
Lidcombe TAFE

Michael is employed by Protec Aluminium and Glazing in Milperra, New South Wales, and attends Lidcombe TAFE, where he is the current TAFE NSW Glass and Glazing Apprentice of the Year. He has shown great leadership skills and has a great attendance record. Growing up in the industry with a father who is a Master Glazer, Michael was inspired to join Protec four years ago. Working at Protec has allowed him to learn all aspects of glass and he has become an important part of the team and a highly skilled tradesman.

Congratulations to Michael O'Rourke, AGWA 2021 New South Wales Apprentice of the Year.

State Apprentice Awards

RISING STAR

This award is presented to an outstanding apprentice within the first or second year of their apprenticeship who consistently demonstrates quality workmanship.

To be eligible for this award the apprentice must have been 21 or younger when they commenced their apprenticeship.

COMMERCIAL FABRICATOR / INSTALLER

This award is presented to a third or fourth year apprentice who demonstrates a high level of capability in commercial fabrication or installation work.

2021 New South Wales Rising Star

Tuafale Aiomalaga

Evolution Window Systems
Lidcombe TAFE

Tuafale works for Evolution Window Systems, St Marys, New South Wales, and studies at Lidcombe TAFE. He became interested in glass and glazing through his Metal and Engineering class at school. He accepted a job at Evolution and was soon rewarded with an apprenticeship. Tuafale is always very enthusiastic and keen to learn as much as possible. He has a good grasp of manufacturing, paperwork, fabricating reports and drawings. He shows both intelligence and flexibility in his work and is an excellent representative of the company.

Congratulations Tuafale.

2021 New South Wales Commercial Fabricator/Installer Apprentice

Michael O'Rourke

Protec Aluminium & Glazing
Lidcombe TAFE

Michael is employed by Protec Aluminium and Glazing in Milperra, New South Wales, and attends Lidcombe TAFE, where he is the current TAFE NSW Glass and Glazing Apprentice of the Year. He has shown great leadership skills and has a great attendance record. Growing up in the industry with a father who is a Master Glazer, Michael was inspired to join Protec four years ago. Working at Protec has allowed him to learn all aspects of glass and he has become an important part of the team and a highly skilled tradesman.

Congratulations Michael.