Cabinetmaking apprentice named Regional Apprentice of the Year

24/06/2011

The TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute Cabinetmaking apprentice from Lidcombe College has added yet another title to his repertoire after being named the Regional Apprentice of the Year at the recent Central and Northern Sydney Regional Training Awards.
After topping his class every year and winning gold at the national WorldSkills competition, Ben completed his studies in 2010.
As an employee at Ben Stoner Antiques (Chippendale), Ben works with high profile clients such as the Historic Houses Trust and Parliament House.
His Cabinetmaking training was through TAFE NSW - South Western Sydney Institute, Lidcombe College.
Ben says that he was very excited to receive the award and have his skills recognised.
"By working in a traditional cabinetmaking shop and completing components of modern furniture and techniques at TAFE, I believe that it has rounded me as a good tradesperson and given me opportunities that I would have never had," he said.
"As an Australian representative for cabinetmaking, I believe that I owe a great deal to TAFE for the opportunities that the Institute and the teachers have provided me with."
The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector.
Having won the Central and Northern Sydney Regional Award, Ben is now in the running for a NSW State Training Award. As a member of the Australian Skillaroos team, Ben is currently training for the upcoming Global Skills Challenge (5 – 8 July) held in Wollongong. The event gives the team an opportunity to come together and hone their skills before heading to London in October for the international WorldSkills competition.
Institute Director, Peter Roberts, congratulated Ben on his results.
"Being named the Central and Northern Sydney Regional Apprentice of the Year is an outstanding result for Ben. He is a great ambassador for TAFE training and the Cabinetmaking trade," Mr Roberts said.
"I wish him every success in the next round at state level."
For more information about Cabinetmaking at TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute call 9643 4500 or visit http://www.swsi.tafensw.edu.au

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