Automotive Apprentices Recognised for their Contributions to Employers and Our Industry

Organised by the Motor Trade Association, close to 300 people attended the 2022 TIO Automotive Apprentice Awards at Mindil Beach Casino Resort in November to celebrate apprentices and to recognise the immense support provided by their employers.

The event was held to recognise local Northern Territorians who have excelled in our industry and personified what it means to be an apprentice. The passion and drive of the students were evident to everybody in the room and highlighted how the industry is full of diverse and exciting career opportunities.

Congratulations to all the nominees and recipients, including the 2022 TIO Automotive Apprentice of the Year, Panormitis Ampelas from MY AUTOCare - Automotive Solutions, in Winnellie.

After becoming interested in cars from a very young age, Panormitis has viewed being a mechanic as a job for life and was recognised for this passion. Like most Territorians, his hobbies include hunting, fishing and camping but it was his love of all things automotive which saw him impress during his trade with MY AUTOCare – Automotive Solutions. The Indigenous Award category was presented by Paul Kirby, the Northern Territory Minister for Business, Jobs and Training, and awarded to Trey Patullo from Gebie Civil and Construction, Groote Island. Trey has been outstanding in all aspects of his training and is well deserving of the title.

The MTA saw a significant increase in the number of nominees across all award categories, but in particular within the Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technology, Mobile Plant Technology and Automotive Electrical Technology categories.

“Our industry is full of opportunity and we thank the employers for their ongoing contribution towards promoting the continuation and completion of automotive apprenticeships in the Northern Territory,” MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs said.

“The strong turnout reflected the importance of the automotive industry to the Northern Territory and with the breadth of recipients at this year’s awards its future is strong.”

MTA Chair Frank Agostino agreed. “It is always rewarding to see young adults excelling in their chosen profession and this sits behind what we aspire to achieve at the MTA,” he added.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Platinum Sponsors: Tio

Gold Sponsors: Spirit Super, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory Government

Silver Sponsors: Capricorn, I-Car Australia, McArthur River Mining, ISACNT, WURTH, NAPA Auto Parts

Bronze Sponsors: GTNT Group, Burson Auto Parts, Repco, SP Tools

Congratulations to all the Award Recipients

2022 TIO Automotive Apprentice Award: Panormitis Ampelas from MY AUTOCare –Automotive Solutions Winnellie

MTA Chair Award, sponsored by Spirit Super: Harpreet Singh from Country Diesel Services, Alice Springs

Indigenous Apprentice Award, sponsored by the Northern Territory Government: Trey Patullo from Gebie Civil and Construction

School Based Apprentice Award, sponsored by Charles Darwin University: Darcy McIntyre from Darwin Land Rover

1st Year Automotive Refinishing Technology Award, sponsored by Capricorn: Amarjit Singh from AI’s Panel Works

2nd Year Automotive Refinishing Technology Award, sponsored by Capricorn: Jackson Withers from Northern Panel Works

3rd / 4th Year Automotive Refinishing Technology Award, sponsored by Capricorn: Isaiah Strong from Palmerstone Smash Repairs

1st Year Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Award, sponsored by Wurth: Mitchell Berry from Engine 2 Exhaust Automotive

2nd Year Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Award, sponsored by Wurth: Raymond Aquino from Bridge Toyota Palmerston

3rd / 4th Year Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Award, sponsored by Wurth: Josh Bates from Palmerston Auto Clinic

1st Year Automotive Body Repair Technology Award, sponsored by I-CAR Australia: Sukhjinder Singh from AI’s Panel Shop

2nd Year Automotive Body Repair Technology Award, sponsored by I-CAR Australia: Nathan Turnbull from AI’s Panel Shop

3rd / 4th Year Automotive Body Repair Technology Award, sponsored by I-CAR Australia: Ryan Roman from Darwin Crash Repairs

1st Year Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technology Award, sponsored by Glencore-McArthur River Mining: Kye Yates from Alice Springs Diesel Repairs

2nd Year Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technology Award, sponsored by Glencore-McArthur River Mining: Cody Heenan from Country Diesel Maintenance, Alice Springs

3rd / 4th Year Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technology Award, sponsored by GlencoreMcArthur River Mining: Jayden Marafioti from Cummins South Pacific

1st Year Mobile Plant Technology Award, sponsored by Glencore-McArthur River Mining: Joel Campbell from Doodz Diesel & Auto Electrical

2nd Year Mobile Plant Technology Award, sponsored by Glencore-McArthur River Mining: Loretta Chumbley from GTNT Group – Gemco

3rd / 4th Year Mobile Plant Technology Award, sponsored by Glencore-McArthur River Mining: Dean Zahra from Hireworks

1st Year Automotive Electrical Technology Award, sponsored by Napa Auto Parts: Brady Rothwell from Carcom Installations

2nd Year Automotive Electrical Technology Award, sponsored by Napa Auto Parts: Connor Wahllqvist from Tate Auto Electrics & Aircon

3rd / 4th Year Automotive Electrical Technology Award, sponsored by Napa Auto Parts: Arkyllies Karamanidis from Tate Auto Electrics & Aircon

2022 TIO Automotive Apprentice of the Year Panormitis Ampelas with Minister Paul Kirby and MTA SA-NT Chair Frank Agostino.

MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs (far right) with MTA SA-NT Board Members

TIO’s Margaret Pratten with 2022 TIO Automotive Apprentice of the Year Panormitis Ampelas.

Indigenous Apprentice Award presented to Trey Patullo by Minister Paul Kirby.