AUTO mechanic apprentice Nicole Paxman had her hard work and dedication recognised yesterday with a scholarship from the NSW State Training Services (STS).
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Nicole was awarded the Bert Evans apprentice scholarship, and is the only recipient in Cootamundra and one of just nine in the Riverina.
The scholarship is reserved for apprentices who are experiencing personal hardship and have displayed aptitude for vocational education and training, as well as a positive attitude and application.
The scholarship is also only available to someone who either has a disability, is a female in a non-traditional trade for women, or identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
In presenting the award, STS Riverina training services manager Garry Whittaker congratulated Nicole, her employers Brad and Megan Loiterton, and her teachers at the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute.
“I take my hat off to you as an absolute role model in your field,” Mr Whittaker said to Nicole.
“You are a great reminder of what this scholarship is all about.”
Nicole is based at Brad Loiterton Auto Electrics and has been undertaking an auto mechanic apprenticeship since completing her auto electrical apprenticeship in June.
“Behind every great apprentice is a great employer,” Mr Whittaker said, also presenting a certificate to Brad.
It has been a long road for Nicole, a single mother who has endured more than her fair share of hardship.
She had been working as a truck driver for 12 years when her partner Rodney Percival tragically died in 2010.
At times the harsh reality of her loss was overwhelming and Nicole spent six months unable to work.
“I was depressed and I had to drag myself out of it,” Nicole said.
“I wanted to try to make Rod proud of me; my son was the most important thing to him, they were best buds.”
Unable to continue working on the road while taking sole responsibility for her son Dennis Wheatley, Nicole drew inspiration from Rod and started tinkering with cars and teaching herself basic mechanic skills.
Discovering an aptitude for the work, she started her tertiary education in Young, balancing work, study and travel while taking care of Dennis.
She is grateful now to be based in Cootamundra and have the support of her employers and local TAFE teachers.
In accepting the award, Nicole gave an emotional speech thanking everyone for their support, including Rod’s mother Lois Percival, who was present to congratulate her.
“Nicole is part of our family and always will be, she’s done wonders,” Lois said.
The scholarship, worth $5000 a year for up to three years while studying, will help Nicole as she aims to complete her training at the end of 2015.
She has also been assured of continued placement in Cootamundra after Brad and Megan officially announced they have sold their business to Dean Hefren.
Dean is one of Nicole’s teachers at TAFE and is delighted to continue working with her in his new role.
“I’ve seen how she works, so I know she’s excellent and I’m happy to reassure her she’ll keep her place here,” Dean said.
