|
“I went to advertise the Institute as a trade school...it was quite rewarding talking to the students and to give something back.”
How many electricians does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but if you are talking about Box Hill Institute student, Matthew Ryan, you may also get your dinner cooked, your country protected, your business advertised and be entertained at the same time.
The electrical apprentice has done it all; hospitality, the army reserves, marketing, and entertainment, but his most recent dream is to sail to Antarctica to work on a science outpost for six months. “It will be a great experience to use my electrical expertise,” he said.
“Nothing says that being an electrician means you have to stay here and work in houses...the sky is the limit if you simply sit down and work for it.”
Working hard for it is what saw Matthew become a finalist in the Box Hill Institute’s 2004 Outstanding Student of the Year Awards. He admits his time at the Institute has been a roller coaster of award nights, presentations and personal satisfaction.
“It’s been great being a finalist because it’s actually a real feeling of satisfaction as I have fully dedicated myself to my studies,” Matthew said. “For three years I’ve done four hours of homework each night and all day Sunday.”
The hard work has paid off time and again for Matthew who has previously won the Centre for Electrical and Refrigeration Trades Award for Electrical Apprentice of the Year, stages 2 and 3 in 2001 and 2002, respectively.
With his sound track record, Matthew was also asked to represent Box Hill Institute at the Master Trader’s Association Day. “I went to advertise the Institute as a trade school,” he explained. “It was quite rewarding talking to the students and to give something back.”
31 May 2004
|
