CVIAQ Members celebrate Apprentice Excellence at the CVIAQ Awards Night

Over 150 CVIAQ members, staff and invited guests gathered together at the XXXX Ale House, Milton on Thursday 10th October to celebrate the achievements of some of the industry’s most talented apprentices at the 2013 CVIAQ Awards Night.

The event, in its format of a stand up cocktail style function, was well supported and well received by member companies and their staff. CVIAQ changed its Awards Night format in 2012 to attract a wider range of age groups to the event. The less formal style has ensured that tradesmen, apprentices and management all come along to support their colleagues who have been nominated for the awards.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement and presentation of the CVIAQ Apprentice of the Year Award. The 2013 award was won by Mr Sam Savva from Volvo Commercial Vehicles Brisbane. Sponsors of the Awards, Mr Doug Warby from Warby Tools and Mr Peeter Liiv of National Transport Insurance were on stage to present the award to the winner and to say a few words in support of the competition. Sam Savva, a dual trade apprentice who has been signed off for a Certificate 3 Automotive Electrical Technology and is finalising his training in Certificate 3 Automotive Mechanical Technology, was presented with a trophy, a framed Award certificate, an Apple IPad and tools to the combined value of approximately $2,000.

Mr Iain Allison, Dealer Principal, Volvo Commercial Vehicles Brisbane, gratefully accepted the CVIAQ Apprentice of the Year perpetual trophy from Mr Paul Armstrong, the 2012 Apprentice of the Year. The perpetual trophy was introduced in 2011 for the employer to display in their office reception or foyer for the 12 months between awards.

The CVIAQ Apprentice of the Year Award is an annual award open to apprentices in the final stages of their training from the heavy vehicle repair, service and manufacturing sectors. The award, now in its thirty second year, is held in high regard by industry.

The award recipients are:

2013 CVIAQ Apprentice of the Year

Savvakis (Sam) Savva – Volvo Commercial Vehicles Brisbane

Certificate 3 Automotive Mechanical Technology Certificate 3 Automotive Electrical Technology

High Achievement Award

Byron Aylott – MTU Detroit Diesel / TORGAS Inc.

Certificate 3 Automotive Specialist

Certificate of Merit