WHAT A STAR: Craiglie apprentice claims major trade award
WELL DESERVED
The Douglas Shire's Reef Ward is the toast of the Far North trade community after gaining a gigantic acknowledgement at the recent TAFE Queensland Cairns trade excellence awards.
The 17 year-old Craiglie plumbing apprentice claimed the highly prestigious plumbing apprentice of the year award in a real coup for the Douglas Shire.
“It was good to know that I am valued for my work and effort,” the proud teenager said.
Plumbing runs in the Ward's family blood with Reef working alongside his dad in the family businesses, Geoff Ward Plumbing and Alfresco Gas Flares.
“Being the son of the boss, I had access to all the right tools and was around 10 years old when I started to learn about plumbing, but I didn't see myself choosing plumbing as a career until I was about 15,” he said.
“By then I realised that the plumbing industry would allow me to learn a variety of other skills as well, such as gas fitting, welding, roofing and excavation.
“I also enjoy moving about, meeting new people each day and seeing new places, rather than being grounded in a shed all day."
Because he was introduced to the trade at a young age, Mr Ward’s teachers recognise that his knowledge and hands-on skills are remarkably advanced for his age.
Mr Ward is keen to expand his skill set even further and has his sights set on moving into a management position.
“In five years, I will be 22 and hopefully managing our family business," he said.
“I'm sure that Dad will still be running his plumbing business and I will have learnt the gas fitting trade during my plumbing apprenticeship.
“Managing Alfresco requires the construction of stainless steel, copper and brass gas lanterns to the Australian Gas Association standard, and travelling throughout Australia promoting and installing our product at commercial and residential properties."
TAFE Queensland Director of trades, hydrogen and renewables Maree Butler said Mr Ward was a deserving Cairns trade excellence award winner.
“Reef’s vast trade knowledge and his dedication to his studies make him a very worthy winner of the plumbing apprentice of the year award,” Ms Butler said.
“Around 200 people attended the Cairns Trade Excellence Awards and 12 trophies were handed out to recognise and celebrate the hard work of our most dedicated trade students."
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