LIAM HAS ALWAYS ENJOYED working with his hands and is active in his community as an Irish dancer, musician, BMX racer and coach.

During a 2011 work experience placement at BAE Systems, Liam decided to follow a similar trade to his father (a Fitter and Turner). While on placement, he was fortunate to obtain an apprenticeship with AiGTS. Liam soon learned that his grandfather John Howden was instrumental in establishing the predecessor of this scheme (formerly the Metal Industries Association of South Australia which later became the Engineering Employers Association South Australia Group Training Scheme).

Highly motivated and with a strong desire to achieve, Liam says of his apprenticeship, “I value the ongoing learning experience, the direction, the perceived future outcomes of the trade, the interaction and the encouragement of my peers.”

Liam also attributes the working culture at BAE to his study success and has enjoyed the opportunity to share his skills with work experience students.

Tony Curtis, State Manager of Trade Schools For the Future (an initiative of the Department of Education and Child Development), and participant on the judging panel of this category described Liam as “An outstanding example of a young person undertaking training, employment and schooling while maintaining work-life balance through other pursuits. Liam is articulate and will make a fine ambassador for all school based apprentices and trainees.”

Liam hopes that the depth of knowledge he has gained through his apprenticeship will enable him to design, develop and manufacture components for engineering projects in future.