Meet Jack: our exceptional apprentice in diesel fitting

 

From the bustling waters of commercial fishing to the forefront of diesel mechanics, Jack Reid’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. Recently crowned the Heavy Automotive & Diesel Fitting Apprentice of the Year at TAFE Queensland’s 2024 Townsville Trade Excellence Awards, Jack stood out on July 18, among 1,600 nominees at the Pimlico campus.

 

A journey to excellence

Hailing from Goonyella Mine, Jack’s journey has been marked by curiosity and a passion for understanding diesel engines. Transitioning from a background in commercial fishing, he discovered his love for mechanics while working on the large engines that powered the boats he operated. “I was originally working in commercial fishing and the minor services and maintenance with the large diesel engines sparked my interest. So, moving into diesel fitting as a trade was a very easy choice.” Jack reflects.

His commitment to learning and growing in the trade has been unwavering. Jack credits his mentors in the apprenticeship program for their invaluable support, saying; “The willingness for sharing of knowledge within the trade was a great experience, making learning and understanding different systems much better for someone new”.

 

A bright future ahead

Jack’s award is not just a recognition of his past efforts; it’s also a testament to his promising future in the industry. “This award motivates me to keep pushing forward. Working in the area of original equipment manufacture design is an aspiration”, he shares.