The event, which is run in collaboration with Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, honours four hard-working apprentices from the Benalla community.
Lion Graham Milner introduced the evening by discussing the awards and some of the requirements for being nominated.
‘‘This is the seventh year we’ve held the apprentice encouragement awards,’’ Mr Milner said.
‘‘They are not necessarily an award for being the top academic person. They honour local apprentices who excel in their field.’’
Mr Milner then introduced GOTAFE trainer and assessor Brendan Rogash, who introduced the award winners.
‘‘On behalf of the apprentices here tonight, I’d like to thank the Lions,’’ Mr Rogash said.
‘‘We’ve been doing this for seven years now and there’s been quite a few young and mature-age apprentices come through and get a helping hand.
‘‘And without the support of Lions some of those might have struggled.’’
The 2019 Benalla Lions Apprentice Encouragement Award winners are:
●Maddison Kohler — hairdressing.
●Tim Rogash — carpentry.
●Campbell McCoy — electrical.
●Shawn Pentreath — plumbing.
Upon receiving the award, Tim Rogash spoke of his future plans.
‘‘I enjoy the role because I like being outside every day and I get to work with my hands,’’ Mr Rogash said.
‘‘I’d like to own my own business one day and have a couple of apprentices myself.’’
Shawn Pentreath also spoke about enjoying his apprenticeship.
‘‘In 10 years I see myself still working with C&S Plumbing to be honest, we get to travel around and it’s good fun,’’ he said.
All apprentices received a certificate and a cheque to buy supplies for their chosen trade.