Entries are open for the Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year, now in its fourth year.
The awards are run by Snap-on Tools Australia and car magazine Street Machine and attract submissions from apprentices training to be motor mechanics, auto electricians, spray painters or panel beaters.
The winning apprentice will take home a total prize package valued at more than $11,000 including a Snap-on Tools product pack and a 54 inch Roll Cab with plenty of space for an expanding tool collection down the track. The winner will also receive a Gold Pass Extreme Street Machine ticket to Summernats 2013 including flights and accommodation.
Snap-on Tools Australia National Sales Manager, Steve Jones said the Apprentice of the Year was created to celebrate automotive apprentices in Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s a tough slog being an apprentice,” said Steve. “There’s often little reward for the hard work they put in. Many apprentices find themselves in their trade because of their passion for cars and engines. We created Apprentice of the Year with Street Machine to shine a light on the guys and girls who are absolutely top of their trade, but who often go through challenges to get there.
“Our inaugural winner Nadja Lenehan was a country girl who moved to the city, with no job, simply because she wanted to join the trade. Our 2010 winner Wayne Grima spent every available hour building his own show car, and last year’s winner Sevag Paresghian had a promising career pushing a pen, but he decided he wanted to throw his skills into being a mechanic,” said Jones.
Every year we attract a really high standard of submissions. But this year we’re taking it up a notch with a dedicated Facebook page, micro-site and video to support the launch.”
The judging panel for 2012 includes luminaries such as Owen Webb from custom automotive painters House of Kolor; one of Australia’s most highly regarded street machiners Howard Astill; as well as 2011 winner Sevag Paresghian and Snap-on Business Manager and auto engineer Alan Moon.
Moderator of the judging panel and National Sales Manager of Motoring at ACP Magazines, Paul Franks says they are keen to hear from apprentices who are not only great at their job but play a role in their local community.
“You might have helped the local drag racing club, or even driven the bus for the local retirement village. We’re looking someone who’s responsible, community aware, has a passion for cars and all things automotive,” he said.
The competition closes Friday 1 June 2012. Click here to download the entry form.