The MTA has named its apprentice of the year – following a ‘tool-off’ last weekend.
Julius Bloem of Pukekohe took the MTA ‘apprentice of the year’ for 2013. The E & H Motors Ltd apprentice competed against three others 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 Bloem and the other finalists, having to complete four practical tasks and a panel interview throughout the day.
“I found the interview quite intense,” Bloem says. “I was prepared for all of the practical stuff as they’re the sort of tasks I do on a day-to-day basis, but I had never done an interview before.”
Studying towards a national light vehicle qualification, Bloem 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 pin board 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, Bloems’ 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,” says Ruiterman. “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 Ruiterman. “He is always asking questions like ‘why did you diagnose that fault?’”
Bloem says 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, Bloem will also get a ‘hot lap’ with Greg Murphy and $3500 cash. All four finalists receive the latest gaming package, a $500 Telecom voucher and a $500 Repco tool package.
Bloem 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.
