As South Australia’s largest employer of automotive apprentices, the MTA proudly hosts the Automotive Graduation & Awards – a prestigious event that honours the outstanding achievements of our graduating apprentices after four years of dedication and hard work.
This celebration shines a spotlight on individuals who go above and beyond in their workplaces and within the broader automotive community. It also recognises businesses that foster exceptional environments, helping shape the future of the automotive industry through innovation, mentorship and support.
Apprentice Award Categories
Nominations for apprentices and employers across the below categories have now closed.
- 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 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 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 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 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 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 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.
- Dual Trade Apprentice of the Year
This award is to recognise an MTA or industry-employed Dual Trade apprentice in their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th year of training at either the MTA’s Royal Park or Cleve 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.
Employer Award Category
Nominations for apprentices and employers across the below categories have now closed.
- 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.
Employer, School and Apprentice Award Categories
Nominations for the below award categories are internal.
- 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, Underdale High School or Urrbrae Agricultural 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.
- 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.
- Work Experience Employer of the Year
This award is to recognise a South Australian automotive work experience employer who exemplifies unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for the industry. The recipient prioritises the health and wellbeing of their students, fostering an environment conducive to enhancing the skills necessary for a career in the automotive sector.
- Commitment to Safety Award
This award aims to recognise a South Australian automotive business who demonstrates and prioritises workplace health and safety for their employees.
- Road to Resilience
This award is to recognise a recipient who has shown remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their apprenticeship journey whilst continuing to learn, grow and contribute to the industry no matter what life has thrown their way.
- 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.
If you have any questions regarding this event or the nomination process, please contact graduation@mtasant.com.au
