Ulysses Club Inc. is the largest motorcycling organisation within Australia and has once again hosted the National “Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year” (MAOTY) Award as a means of promoting and enhancing the motorcycle training environment within Australia.
The seed to implement MAOTY was sown in April 2003 where Founding Member Stephen Dearnley saw that there was a need to “encourage and promote the youth in pursuing a career in the motorcycle industry”; this would also instil confidence that the highest standard of training is accessible to our members, ensuring that the mechanical maintenance of their motorcycles are in capable hands.
The scheme commenced in 2004, now 9 years on, MAOTY continues to be very competitive with many apprentices vying for the opportunity to gain National status. It is also a significant opportunity for Employers and Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) to not only achieve recognition for their apprentice but to promote their business entity, the focus being on the knowledge and skills gained to perform the delicate and often complicated repairs and diagnostic tasks so necessary in the industry service sector.
Traditionally, each year a fourth year motorcycle apprentice who, whilst adhering to a set criteria, shows commitment, dedication and a genuine enthusiasm for their chosen profession, is selected as the overall National winner. In Mildura (2012) the 2011 National MAOTY winner was Kent Shillitoe. Kent trained at TAFE SA Adelaide North Croydon Campus; his lecturer was Leigh Hollamby and Tucker Motorcycles, Mount Barker SA were his employers. Kent was presented with a fabulous Honda CB400 which was accompanied by a 12 months Insurance Policy.
11 nominations were put forward this year:- 1x from SA & 2x from WA; 1x from ACT & 3x from NSW; 1x from TAS & VIC and 2x from QLD.
This years Zone Winners are:-
- NSW / ACT Lincoln Brien Readfords Motorcycle Centre, Dubbo, NSW
- VIC / TAS Darcy Auton Elliott Brothers, Bendigo, Vic
- QLD / NT Melissa Bretherton Pro Kawasaki Gold Coast, Nerang, Qld
- SA / WA Tom Lang Bills Motorcycles, Blair Athol, SA
In recognition of their outstanding achievements throughout their apprenticeship, these Apprentices will each receive a $1,000 Supercheap Auto Gift Card which allows them to purchase a tool kit and some tools of their choice, with compliments of Supercheap Auto .
During the formalities of the Civic Welcome Ceremony, the 2012 National Winner will be introduced to members and will be presented with a fantastic Honda CB400 motorcycle by a Representative from Honda Aust M & PE; a Representative from QBE Insurance will also present the National Winner with a 12 month Insurance Policy to cover the motorcycle.
The Ulysses Club Inc is very appreciative of the support of our major sponsors - Honda Australia Motorcycle and Power Equipment PTY LTD, Supercheap Auto and QBE Insurance; we thank them for their generosity and look forward to continuing our alliance with them well into the future.
The National Committee also thanks National Adjudicator, John Branch, Automotive Trainer & Assessor, who once again graciously agreed to judge all Zone Winners to select the National Winner. Appreciation also goes to the various State / Zone Registered Training Organizations for supporting the MAOTY scheme.
We sincerely hope that the award continues to have a positive influence on the enrolment of Motorcycle Mechanic Apprentices.
Helena Gritton
National Vice President
Ulysses Club Inc