People’s Choice Award goes to automotive apprentice Amber

Kangan Institute automotive refinishing apprentice Amber Gabelich has claimed the support of Victorians and has been named the 2019 Victorian Training Awards’ People’s Choice Award for Apprentice of the Year.

Presented on 6 September at the Victorian Training Awards gala event, the People’s Choice Award provided the public with an opportunity to have their say on outstanding individuals in individual categories.

“I was over the moon and didn’t expect it whatsoever. It’s a really good thing to have on my résumé,” said Amber.

Amber’s passion for cars and creative flair led her to enrolling in the Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32416) at Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence.

No stranger to accolades, Amber’s inspiring journey also includes placing first and third in the regional and national World Skills Championships, as well as clinching the BBM Youth Support Award to pursue practical learning in the United States.

“Kangan Institute helped me immensely with getting me here today. It’s given me support throughout my studies and the entire nomination process for Victorian Training Awards and I couldn’t be more thankful,” she said.

Currently working at Riviera Panels, Amber will soon embark on a seven-week learning adventure in the United States as part of the BBM Award.

“I’ll be going to custom paint shops in different cities to learn all about the custom paint scene there. I’ll also be going to the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, which is one of the biggest automotive shows in the world,” she said.

“I’m really excited about the whole experience, especially to learn new things and see how it’s done on the other side of the world. I hope this will help me branch out to do more custom work in the future.”

Kangan Institute’s CEO Phill Murphy congratulated Amber and wished her the best for her future.

“We’re very proud of Amber’s achievements. She sets a great example for females pursuing careers in trades and we wish her every success as she pursues her studies in the United States and a bright future in custom spray painting,” he said.

Held at Crown Palladium, the 2019 Victorian Training Awards also honoured Kangan Institute students Rachael Hilder and Maddison Lyall, who were respectively celebrated as Victorian Vocational Student of the Year and finalist for Victorian Trainee of the Year.