JUGGLING full-time work, night school and two children is no walk in the park but for Hayden Rowell, the challenge has paid off.
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The 30-year-old engineering apprentice has just been named Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE’s Apprentice of the Year for the Wangaratta and Benalla campuses.
Mr Rowell completed his Certificate III in Engineering-Fabrication just over a month ago while working full-time at Wangaratta’s Burder Industries.
“It has been a big challenge to balance family and work and study for me and my partner as well,” he said.
“I’m really stoked to win this, I was really surprised but I guess it’s a testament to all the hard work really.”
A native New Zealander, Mr Rowell began his apprenticeship upon moving to Wangaratta with his partner Hannah Hogan after the pair met while travelling in Canada; he landed the job after seeing a position advertised for welders.
“I’d always been interested in metal fabrication and when I got back from overseas everything worked out,” he said.
Mr Rowell thanked his employers, Sue and George Fendyk, as well as his work colleagues and his trainers for their support.
He received his award during a presentation ceremony late last week, attended by almost 240 apprentices, employers, sponsors and GOTAFE trainers.