Cricks Maroochydore fourth-year light vehicle mechanical apprentice Joshua Frampton was crowned the 2021 MTA Queensland apprentice of the year at a gala event on November 20.
The MTA Queenland Industry Awards Gala also recognised business owners, and entrepreneurs for their excellence and commitment to the state’s automotive sector.
The 2021 Industry Awards saw a record number of nominations submitted says MTA Queensland with Frampton taking out the award from a highly credentialed field of finalists.
MTA Queensland says it was a momentous occasion for the 26-year-old, who is closing in on completing his apprenticeship with the Cricks Auto Group, where he has worked with numerous makes and models during his short time in the industry.
Frampton says he has set his sights firmly on opening a mechanical and restoration business of his own in the future, a goal he has had since high school.
“I would like to thank Andrew Seeley, from Cricks at Maroochydore, for dealing with me for the past four years. I know I haven’t been the easiest apprentice to deal with, but I have always been out there trying and trying to achieve some great things,” Frampton says.
“I want to say thank you to my parents for supporting me and getting me to this stage – I really appreciate it.
“And I want to say a big thank you to my partner for being my rock and supporting me through this, and I am going to cherish this moment for a very long time. I hope to extend my experience into the community and motivate the next generation of automotive apprentices.”
Fionna Blackburne, owner of Southeast Auto Mechanical in Beenleigh, was named winner of the Women in Industry Award for her commitment to educating women in the community on basic vehicle maintenance skills and principles through the ‘Women on the Move’ program.
Blackburne’s business took out the Community Award back in 2018 and she has continued to expand education programs in recent times, taking them to local schools and universities, while continuing to be an advocate for the many employment opportunities available to women in the automotive industry.
In the evening’s other award categories, Bill Robertson Toyota in Gladstone was awarded the Community Award for its long-standing support of the Gladstone and Central Queensland communities, while Electric Mobility Solutions Australia (EMoS Australia) took out the Innovation Award.
“The MTA Queensland Industry Awards provides the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the individuals and businesses who are making exceptional contributions to the betterment of the industry through community and innovation leadership, and excellence in their discipline,” MTA Group chief executive Rod Camm says.
“We are privileged to be able to celebrate them in person at such an event.
“As an industry we have faced, and indeed continue to face, shortages in both skilled labour and parts and supplies, and challenges with the pace of new technological advancements.
“However, we continue to face these head-on led through individuals like those recognised in the 2021 Industry Awards. I sincerely congratulate them all and look forward to following them as they continue to lead the industry into the future.
I also applaud the field of strong candidates who made the finalist group. You are all outstanding and I congratulate you all,” he says.
MTA Queensland thanks event Platinum Supporters Spirit Super, BUSY At Work, and Capricorn for their support.
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