Apprentice Shines to Win Summer Award

A first year plumbing apprentice from Brisbane has been named the quarterly winner of a major Building Apprentice of the Year competition.

Corey Stevens of Albany Creek based George Stevens Plumbing was judged the Summer quarterly winner of the 2003/2004 National COLORBOND® steel Building Apprentice of the Year competition for his dedication to both his work and studies.

Corey, who attends the Eagle Farm campus of the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE, has just completed the first year of his general plumbing course.

Teacher Shane Buckley described Corey as a talented and well mannered student.

"Corey has proven to be very dedicated to his studies in the plumbing industry," Mr Buckley stated.

"His skills and ability leave nothing to be desired and I believe Corey will be a credit to himself and the plumbing industry."

As the winner of the Summer quarter of the competition, run by BlueScope Steel to support and encourage young apprentices in the building industry, Corey wins a Microsoft Xbox valued at more than A$300 plus a certificate of his achievement.

On the job at George Stevens Plumbing, which specialises in a range of residential maintenance services, Corey has run copper gas lines, installed tapware in bathrooms, and serviced gas installations.

He has also worked with roof sheeting, guttering and flashings made from COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel in both his TAFE course and on the job.

Employer George Stevens, who nominated Corey for the award, described him as an apprentice who quickly grasps new skills and can work unsupervised.

"Corey has proven himself to be a reliable and willing worker who is dedicated to his tasks," Mr Stevens said.

"Clients react well to his pleasant manner and he capably deals with tradesmen and suppliers of materials and fittings."

The award is open to all building apprentices who have worked with or studied light steel framing, steel cladding, roofing or guttering anywhere in Australia during the 2003/2004 financial year.

All nominations and quarterly winners go in the running to become the national 2003/2004 COLORBOND® steel Building Apprentice of the Year. Entries close on June 30, 2004 and the national winner will receive a trophy plus a A$3000 travel voucher to use on their choice of destination.