VERTO Chief Executive Officer, Ron Maxwell, today congratulated 34 year old Taree local, Mark Hardy, on taking out the apprentice of the year award at the New South Wales (NSW) Training Awards.

Mr Maxwell said VERTO’s Taree Australian Apprenticeships Centre team was proud to be involved with Mr Hardy’s career achievements.

"Our Taree team signed Mark up with his current employer, Mackie Electric & Refrigeration Pty Ltd.

“Mark undertook his training at TAFE NSW’s North Coast Institute (Port Macquarie campus), and I would like to acknowledge the fantastic job TAFE has also done in supporting Mark to achieve his career goals,” Mr Maxwell said.

Mr Maxwell said Mr Hardy is an outstanding apprentice, who has already completed two apprenticeships and is currently undertaking a third.

“Mark completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Entertainment and Servicing in 2003, and a

Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician in 2013.

“He is currently completing a Certificate III in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration.

“I commend Mark on his continuous commitment to learning,” Mr Maxwell said.  

Mr Hardy said he was thrilled to receive such a prestigious award and to be acknowledged for his hard work.

“I’m extremely proud to be named apprentice of the year for NSW.

“It was an honour to represent the Taree community and the North Coast region at the NSW Training Awards.

“I love my job, so it’s particularly special to be acknowledged when you’re passionate about what you do,” Mr Hardy said.

Mr Hardy’s employer, Paul Mackie, said he was thrilled to see one of his best employees recognised.

“Mark is a valuable member of our team, and it’s great to see him recognised for his hard work and achievements,” Mr Mackie said.

Mr Maxwell said Mark’s award is testament to service providers in Taree working together to deliver the best training and employment outcomes for job seekers.

“Mark’s award shows that training and employment support are alive and well on the North Coast. 

"We look forward to continuing to support people in the Taree community to achieve their career goals,” Mr Maxwell said.