Top training honours go to Bryce
BRYCE Riethmuller has been nervous for the past few weeks.
Those nerves reached a crescendo recently when the 17-year-old found himself on stage in Brisbane speaking to an audience of 800 having been named Queensland’s top school-based apprentice.
“I come from a small community and a little workplace,” said the Oakey State High School student who is completing his butchering apprenticeship with Maclagan Meats.
Looking out on the sea of faces as he accepted his award, Bryce said he felt a mixture of nervousness, gratitude and pride.
But Bryce may have to get used to the public speaking and media attention as he heads to Canberra in November to compete against other state and territory winners in his quest to take out the national title of Australia’s top school-based apprentice or trainee.
While his friends spend the week after finishing high school partying at Schoolies, Bryce will be interviewed by panels of judges and learn about being an ambassador for apprenticeships.
Far from feeling like he’s missing out, it’s an experience Bryce is relishing.
“This is my future,” he said.
When The Chronicle spoke with Bryce in early August, he had emerged from a field of 800 state-wide applicants to win the Darling Downs South West region’s top apprentice or trainee title.
“I feel privileged making it this far,” said Bryce, who acknowledged he had “put in a lot of effort with my training”.
Bryce previously earned the praise of his school principal, Dan Keenan, who described him as “one of the most outstanding young people I’ve ever met.”
Bryce plans on staying with Maclagan Meats once he finishes his apprenticeship where he’s working across paddock to plate aspects of his industry. Outside the meat processing part of his training, he also helps show and judge cattle.