Luke Phillips with son Harry. He was nominated for his award after outstanding exam results. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith-based electrician Luke Phillips was nominated for the Riverina Apprentice of the Year title, an annual NSW Government award that recognises outstanding achievement in the vocational sector.
The 32-year-old’s name was put forward for the award by his training institute National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) teacher Morgan Sutton after he achieved outstanding results in his final exams.
He attended an award ceremony in Wagga on Thursday (13 June), where he was narrowly edged for the top prize by Albury-based chef Arlyn Ramirez.
Region caught up with Mr Phillips to find out about his job, why he chose to live in Griffith, exactly how he got nominated and his advice for others.
Why did you decide to become an electrician?
It’s exciting, climbing poles off ladders and working off EWP (elevated working platforms) is a real thrill.
This is my second trade; I’m also a qualified panel beater. I did that when I first left school when I was 15, but I soon found it wasn’t the best trade for me.
I ended up meeting up with a crew that did bulk power line replacements. A mate worked in that field and told me to give it a go. I now work for Mitch Mould, a contractor based in Tumut. My current boss pushed for me to do my apprenticeship.
I was held back by not being qualified, but now I’ve been able to open doors.
Luke Phillips on a job. Photo: Supplied.
You’re originally from Lismore. How did you end up living in Griffith?
I got assigned to a project changing streetlights in Griffith and while I was here I met Danielle, who became my girlfriend. The rest is history, as they say. We now have a two-year-old son Harry.
How well did you actually do in your final exams?
I got 97 per cent in the knowledge assessment and 100 per cent for my wiring pracs and motor testing. I’m devastated that I got three questions wrong in the writing test.
It’s not the easiest thing to study when you have a young son but it’s nice to get some recognition for it.
What would you say to a Year 10 student considering doing a trade?
It’s just as fulfilling and challenging as going to university. There’s so many opportunities. Once you are qualified, you’re at the top of your game. You can go to university and end up with a lot of debt; it’s a longer path to go down.
What’s your career goal?
I would like to be a teacher at NECA at some point.
About the awards
The NSW Training Awards celebrate the best of vocational education and training (VET) in NSW and are the premier VET awards in the state.
They are conducted annually by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of Education to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector.
Regional winners of the individual award categories (Apprentice, Trainee, School-Based Apprentice/Trainee, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student, Vocational Student, VET in Schools Student & VET Trainer/Teacher) progress to the next stage where they will represent their region and be invited for a state interview in Sydney. These interviews will be held from mid to late July and candidates will be shortlisted to compete at the NSW Training Awards event in Sydney in September.
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