Fingal Bay apprentice Connor Linz has the opportunity to learn from international industry leaders for his trade after winning an award worth $8000.
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For showing “outstanding industry skills and career aspirations” the 21 year old plasterer was this month named a winner of a BBM Youth Support Award, affording him the chance to travel overseas, advance his industry knowledge and learn new skills not readily available in Australia.
“I was shocked. I didn’t expect to win,” Mr Linz said. “This award will help me gain information and skills that I may never get the opportunity to learn here in Australia.”
Mr Linz, a third year apprentice with Matthew Campbell Plastering, said he would like to travel to Canada or the UK where there are a number of businesses using new products and techniques for restorative work that he would like to learn about.
He added that it would be interesting to observe these companies’ business models in action, seeing how they work with other trades and offer “full project management for a job”.
Mr Linz and fellow Maitland TAFE apprentice Matt Brandt from North Rothbury were two of 36 BBM Youth Support Award winners announced at Parliament House in Sydney on November 5.
BBM Youth Support, a not-for-profit organisation, offers awards in horticulture, trades, agriculture and performing arts.
The awards are designed to be a self-directed learning experience to give young people a chance to not only improve their professional development, but to grow in confidence and build their own aspiration for the future.
Awardees bring this knowledge back to inspire others in their community to build a better future for Australia.
“BBM Youth Support Awards give future industry leaders the opportunity to work, study and grow both professionally and personally through international work experience,” Melanie Stray, chief executive officer of BBM Youth Support, said.
“The BBM judging panel recognised Matt and Connor as extraordinary professional who demonstrates not only excellence in their skills but also ambition and industry leadership potential well beyond what one would expect from a young person their age.”
Ms Stray added that Mr Linz had already proven he has exceptional industry skills after winning silver in the 2018 WorldSkills Australia National Championships held in Sydney in June.
“The BBM Youth Support Award now recognises his industry leadership potential and commitment to his chosen field and his community,” she said.
Mr Linz was joined by his parents, Connie and Peter Linz, in Sydney for the awards ceremony at the start of the month.