GTNT GROUP AWARDS RECOGNISE CREAM OF THE NT CROP

Words by Territory Q Staff Reporter Published 02 July 2024

Julian was one of 42 finalists vying for 11 awards and three commendations at the 2024 GTNT Group Awards ceremony on May 31.

The awards celebrate the achievements of apprentices, trainees, students, supervisors and host businesses across the Territory.

Julian completed his Electrical apprenticeship in December last year and is now out in the field working as a qualified tradesperson with Nilsen NT.

“Whether it’s the tradies or the CDU lecturers, they were brilliant and were always willing to answer any questions,” says Julian

“And the tradies really went that extra mile to deal with anything I asked and to show me things hands-on and that really helped.”

While acknowledging the assistance he received over the three-and-a-half years of his training with Nilsen NT, Julian remains rightly proud of GTNT Group’s recognition of his own achievements.

“It was massive, and it makes me really proud. It is a reward for the hard work and effort that I put in over the time.”

Working with a professional organisation like Nilsen NT also helped, he says. “There’s just a great feel around the company.”

Julian made something of a habit of picking up awards throughout his apprenticeship.

He has racked up three GTNT Group awards: This year’s Apprentice of the Year Award plus last year’s Outstanding Apprentice, Stage 3 and in 2022 he was named Outstanding Apprentice Stage 2.

And just for good measure, he was also named Master Builders 2022 Electrical and Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year. Thomas Norris II, who is completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade, is another young man who keeps kicking goals. Thomas was named GTNT Group’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student for 2024. Thomas was hosted by his employer Darwin Port.

Like Julian this is the second year in a row Thomas’ skills and dedication have been recognised at the GTNT Group awards. At last year’s ceremony he won the Outstanding Apprentice, Stage Two.

After graduating from high school Thomas found himself working with Coles. That was in 2020 but he quickly recognised he needed formal qualifications to carry him through life.

That led to him securing an apprenticeship with Darwin Port in mid-2021, and he has just completed the metal fabrication and boilermaker components of his apprenticeship and is now developing his skills as a fitter and turner. Once he has finished the fitter and turner element of his apprenticeship, which he hopes to complete next year, he will be ready for a career in metal engineering and manufacturing and related trades.

With uncles who are sparkies and fridgies, he says the decision to take on a trade seemed a natural step. Like his father, Joe, Thomas says he has always been good with his hands and while he has enjoyed developing his natural skills through training, he recognises he has taken on a tough trade.

“Boiler-making is hot work and Darwin is a hot place, so it’s not a great combination,” he jokes.

“But it’s good work and when you’re finished you can stand back and feel happy with what you’ve done.” GTNT Group’s 2024 Trainee of the Year was Jessica Porter who was hosted by the GTNT Group to complete her Diploma of Leadership and Management.

Jessica has been with GTNT since February 2021 when she undertook a traineeship through the NT Government initiative, Get Set in the NT. This led to full-time employment with GTNT Group and the opportunity to undertake further training, which began in 2022.

Jessica admits she had never considered a role in management, but she is now genuinely excited she had never considered a role in management, but she is now genuinely excited

by the prospect and encourages other young people to take up the nationally recognised diploma, which is aimed at emerging leaders.

“It’s really awesome because it’s nationally recognised and I really enjoyed it for the on-the-job training,” she says.

“It was really beneficial for me to have applied for the course. And doing the study helps before you move into management.”

As a way of developing her leadership abilities she has also become involved in youth boards and conferences including the NT Youth Roundtable for young Territorians aged 15-25.

Power and Water Corporation was named Host Business of the Year in addition to three of their own winning in their respective categories.

Power and Water Corporation CEO, Djuna Pollard, said the corporation’s awards reflect the innovative approach the corporation has adopted to finding, training and retaining apprentices, trainees and graduates.

“Last year we embarked a new approach that changed the way we select our apprentices,” says Djuna.

It includes inviting shortlisted applicants to an assessment session, which covers group work and individual exercise. This gives us a wholistic overview of their problem-solving abilities, resilience, collaboration and health and safety attitudes.”

“As a longstanding partner with GTNT Group for more than 30 years, together we have been able to support our people to kick start their first career or realise their ambition to take on the challenges of a new career. We welcome new apprentices because they bring a fresh perspective to the way we operate.”

Power and Water Corporation has committed to engage at least eight apprentices, two trainees and two graduates every year but sometimes the numbers are higher with 10 apprentices engaged at the beginning of this year.

The Corporation currently has 38 apprentices, 13 graduates and 14 trainees across Darwin Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek.

Djuna says the corporation was delighted to have had eight team members shortlisted for the GTNT Group Awards.

“A huge well done to all our winners and finalists. It’s the dedication and commitment of team members like this that helps us make a difference to the lives of Territorians on a daily basis.”

Now in its 35th year, the GTNT awards attracted nominees ranging from 15-year-old trainees to a pool of mature-age apprentices coming from Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tenant Creek and Jabiru.

GTNT Group CEO Kathryn Stenson said the organisation was proud of its role in the skilling of Territorians.

“Our mission for 35 years has been to support people regardless of their background, struggles or abilities” says Kathryn.

“We believe that everyone’s life can be enhanced through education, training and employment. They say it takes a village to raise a child – well, it takes a whole community to complete an apprenticeship. I can only quote from the time we have had electronic records but to date we have qualified 35,000 apprentices and trainees.

“The Territory’s success boils down to all the incredible people, past and present, who are passionate about vocational education and training. GTNT Group are proud to contribute to skilling Territorians. To all the finalists: you’re already winners in our eyes and we are pleased to help you grow into industry leaders.”

Minister for Skills, Training and International Education, Joel Bowden, announced the 330 guests at the awards ceremony that GTNT Group had won the competitive tender from the Northern Territory Government to continue delivering apprenticeship support services to Territorians.