Rural
18 June, 2023
APPRENTICE AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME
O’Connors engineering apprentice Aiden Keys has collected two major accolades in the annual SuniTAFE awards. In a ceremony in Swan Hill, the 19-year-old was named Outstanding First Year Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice of the Year (1st Year)...
O’Connors engineering apprentice Aiden Keys has collected two major accolades in the annual SuniTAFE awards.
In a ceremony in Swan Hill, the 19-year-old was named Outstanding First Year Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice of the Year (1st Year) Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade.
Mr Keys, who works at agricultural machinery dealership O’Connors’ in Horsham, said he was honoured to receive the awards.
“I was honestly amazed with these awards," he said.
"To have been named Outstanding First Year Apprentice was very special but to also win Apprentice of the Year was so exciting. I can’t believe it."
Mr Keys said resilience, determination and a passion for learning from the best in the business at O’Connors had paid off.
"All the hard work has been worth it," he said. "I feel like I'm positioned well for a successful career in engineering and the future looks bright."
In 2022 Mr Keys joined O’Connors’ as a first-year apprentice, and he's since benefitted from on-the-job support, mentoring and Case IH training at state-of-the-art workshop facilities.
"The level of support, the equipment, the financial assistance and mentoring I’ve received since joining O’Connors is second to none.
“I can explore all facets of engineering through my apprenticeship with O’Connors, and I'm going to make the most of it.”
Ms Keys, who lives in Warracknabeal, encourages anyone looking for an exciting and rewarding career who has an interest in building or working with machinery, vehicles and accessories to consider an apprenticeship with O’Connors – particularly through itsRedstart Apprenticeship program.
"There are plenty of options as part of the initiative and you'll work with brilliant people. The support you get from the program co-ordinator, in particular, is world-class," he said.
“I always knew I wanted to do something with my hands and I'm confident I've found my career calling.
"I love working for O’Connors. It’s a great company full of great people. Now, as far as I'm concerned, the sky's the limit.”
O’Connors is the largest Case IH dealership in Australia and has more than 380 employees across 16 locations in regional Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, including at Horsham, Warracknabeal, Birchip, St Arnaud, Mildura, Ouyen, Swan Hill, Ballarat and Bordertown.