This award is presented to an individual who is undertaking an apprenticeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.
Meet the finalists in the Apprentice of the Year category for the 2026 South Australian Training Awards – what an inspiring group of individuals!
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After beginning her career in Pharmacy, Aya Pulle sought a more hands-on and physically rewarding challenge and is now thriving in in civil construction.
Aya has developed strong technical skills across excavation, utilities and plant operation and her commitment to learning has seen her complete both her Certificate III in Civil Construction and her apprenticeship ahead of schedule.
As a leader and advocate for diversity, Aya serves on the Civil Contractors Federation’s Women in Civil committee, promoting opportunities for greater female participation and retention in the sector.
Through resilience, initiative and community involvement, Aya is making a positive impact both within her workplace SADB, where she has been offered a future leadership pathway of her choosing and across the construction sector more broadly.
Next month, Aya will travel to Nepal to volunteer in a humanitarian project, assisting in the construction of homes for local communities in need.
An interest in architecture in high school, led Dana Koch to participate in the Doorways to Construction program – by the end of the program, she was offered an apprenticeship and has not looked back.
Dana is now building a successful career as a cabinet maker at South East business Reds Country Designs, after completing her Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology.
Her pathway into the trade reflects determination and resilience, returning to complete her apprenticeship after gaining experience in another industry and overcoming significant personal challenges.
Dana has developed strong technical capability alongside leadership skills – mentoring apprentices and contributing to design and production processes.
As the first female employee in her workplace, she is a role model in a traditionally male-dominated industry, demonstrating confidence, professionalism and innovation.
Through her commitment to community, teamwork and continuous improvement, Dana is building a strong future in her trade.
With a talent for problem solving and a strong preference for outdoor and hands-on work, James Van Der Stelt thrived in his apprenticeship and loves his work.
James recently completed his Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical while working in a FIFO environment for Santos in the Cooper Basin and is proud to be a qualified mechanical fitter and turner.
He has built advanced skills in maintenance, machining and fault finding across complex industrial equipment and discipline working away from home.
A former Australian Airforce Cadet, James’s apprenticeship has strengthened his resilience, adaptability and teamwork, particularly in remote conditions where collaboration and communication are critical.
A strong advocate for vocational pathways, James actively shares his journey with students and new apprentices, encouraging others to pursue hands-on careers.
Through his dedication, technical skill and leadership, James is building a successful future in Australia’s engineering and energy sectors.
Rebecca Hlinak has overcome personal barriers to become a skilled boilermaker and fabricator, and has completed her Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication while working on the Hunter Class Frigate program with BAE Systems Maritime Australia.
Driven by a passion for hands-on work and a desire to contribute to Australia’s defence capability, Rebecca has developed advanced technical expertise, earning multiple welding certifications and building strong industry capability.
Her apprenticeship has been transformative, boosting her confidence and developing her leadership and communication skills. Now a mentor and role model, she actively supports new apprentices and promotes opportunities for women in trades.
Recognised with multiple workplace awards, Rebecca is ambitious to progress within the organisation and describes her training as supportive and empowering and she has demonstrated aptitude and resilience. She is relishing the opportunity to be an emerging leader representing the future of Australia’s engineering workforce.