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.