State salutes "outstanding" Nathan

Above: Nathan Tapuni at the Village Motors workshop in North Lakes.

Village Motors technician Nathan Tapuni has been recognised as one of the industry’s best apprentices in Queensland.

The 21-year-old was runner-up in the Tafe Queensland Viva Energy Light Automotive Apprentice of the Year Awards, announced this month.

It was reward for more than three years hard work through his apprenticeship at the North Lakes dealership to become a Nissan Technician.

Trevor Fuller, Workshop Controller at Village Motors, said he can “vouch” for Nathan’s “dedication, hard work and willingness to try new things”.

“Nathan has demonstrated exceptional skills and expertise with the Nissan model and has taken time to begin his pathway to a Nissan Master Technician,” Trevor added.

“He has consistently produced outstanding work and can be relied on to do the more tedious jobs which has earned him a great reputation within our dealership, as well as his trainers.

“Nathan is a team player, always willing to help other apprentices achieve the heights he has this early in his career as an automotive technician.”

Nathan, who lived at Griffin before moving to Dakabin, said he started working on cars with his dad and has always “loved it”.

“Being nominated for this award was a big thing for me,” Nathan said. “I didn’t bring it home, but I’m very happy to have been one of the (three Queensland) finalists.

“The job has been challenging because there’s a lot to learn, but the boys here are very supportive and always ready to help.

“Trevor and Scott are always making sure my training is right up to date and I get there on time.”

The TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech CSQ Apprentices Awards honour “hardworking apprentices and emerging leaders in various industries whose services keep the gears of our daily lives turning”.