Apprentice of the Year
Following a “tool-off” on October 5, Julius Bloem of Pukekohe was named the MTA Apprentice of the Year for 2013. Julius of E&H Motors Ltd competed against three other apprentices to take out the title, at the competition held in Wellington.
The runner-up in the competition was Jordan Andrews (Invercargill), with finalists Devon Hammond (Mount Maunganui) and Jared Wiel (Dunedin) competing for the national title.
It was a challenging day for Julius and the other finalists, having to complete four practical tasks and a panel interview throughout the day. “I found the interview quite intense. I was prepared for all of the practical stuff as they’re the sort of tasks I do on a dayto-day basis, but I had never done an interview before,” says Julius.
Studying towards a National Light Vehicle Qualification, Julius finds it easy to be enthused and dedicated to his career. “Even before entering the competition, I had set myself high goals,” he says. Earlier this year, he had noted on his pinboard at home that he wanted to make the final four in the Apprentice of the Year competition – a goal that he can now tick off the list.
The annual MTA Apprentice of the Year award, with assistance from Repco, Telecom, MITO and Apparelmaster, recognises the skills and potential of talented apprentices who are taking their future into their own hands and employers who are investing in the future of the automotive industry.
Hans Ruiterman, Julius’ employer, nominated him for the competition and is ecstatic that he has won. “It has been a good morale and confidence boost for Julius, to actually enter and do well. Julius works really hard – especially with his theory work – and he takes his job really seriously. It’s nice that he can be rewarded for that,” says Hans. “He is always asking questions like ‘Why did you diagnose that fault?’ or ‘what is the process here?’ He is constantly absorbing information every day.”
E&H Motors Ltd has been a great place for Julius to learn a wide range of automotive skills. “We’re a shop that does things that a lot of other places don’t really touch. We do a lot of specialised diagnostic stuff as well as rebuilding engines and servicing. We are extremely diverse, and Julius has taken full advantage of that.”
Julius said it was surreal when V8 supercar driver Greg Murphy called him to say he had won the competition and will be travelling to Sydney to have some hands on experience with a V8 racing team. As prizes for winning the competition, Julius will also get a ‘hot lap’ with Greg Murphy and $3,500 cash. All four finalists received the latest gaming package, a $500 Telecom voucher and a $500 Repco tool package.
Julius wants to do further study after he completes his current apprenticeship. He has a strong interest in engine building and motor sport, and already works on various race crew teams.
For more information about the competition, visit www.aoty.co.nz.
Julius has a blog that follows his progress as an automotive technician, including various projects he has worked on. You can view this at www.jbautotech.wordpress.com.
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