Winning gold at the national WorldSkills Championship in the mechatronics category has inspired Viva Energy Australia electrical trade apprentice, Hannah Terry, to encourage other young females to consider pursuing a career in the trades.
Hannah, who began her apprenticeship at Alcoa before moving to Viva Energy, said she has made it her mission to make her mark on the electrical industry.
“With the right apprenticeship I knew I could really make something of it and the possibilities would be unlimited,” said Hannah.
“The support I’ve received from Viva Energy, the Gordon and G-force has been wonderful and I feel each organisation have gone above and beyond to help me achieve my goals,” she said.
“I felt I was well prepared to take on an electrical apprenticeship following a pre-apprenticeship course at the Gordon.
“It is a great environment and I really value my teachers. They are wonderful to learn from and work with.”
Considered the Olympics of trade skills, Hannah first made her mark at the WorldSkills Championship at the regional level in 2015. As a national gold medal winner in 2016, Hannah is excited she is now being considered for a Big Brother Movement scholarship that could see her gaining international work experience in the United Kingdom next year!
“If I have one piece of advice to other females considering an apprenticeship like mine I’d say go for it – you can achieve anything with the right attitude, passion and a willingness to learn and try your best,” said Hannah.
Viva Energy, the owner of the Geelong Refinery, employs 13 apprentices through G-Force Employment Solutions. Six were referred to Viva Energy by Northern Future – including four metal trades and instrument and electrical apprentices.
General Manager Refining, Thys Heyns, said Viva Energy is committed to providing apprenticeship opportunities and supporting programs to provide lasting benefits to the local community, particularly for northern suburbs residents.
“On behalf of everyone at the refinery we congratulate Hannah on her outstanding achievement at the WorldSkills Championship. I’m proud that our business can foster this sort of talent and it inspires me to do everything I can to keep this refinery manufacturing in Geelong for many years to come,” said Thys.
Gforce Manager of Apprentices, Lucy O’reilly, said Hannah is a valued apprentice.
“We’re proud of Hannah. She always receives excellent feedback from her workplace supervisors and I know she works hard to tap into the wealth of knowledge and skill base available in a large organisation,” said Lucy.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Jessica Marriner, Media Manager, +61 428 750 875 E: Jessica.marriner@vivaenergy.com.au