Hunter TAFE Apprentice of the Year

Mr GREG PIPER ( Lake Macquarie ) ( 1 3 :15 :40 ): Today I recognise young Lake Macquarie people who offer yet more proof that our future is in good hands. At the age of 11, Cejay Alsop found himself drawn to his father's back shed at their Silverwater home, which was equipped with an array of tools including welders and presses. Together with his dad, he would build ramps and jumps that he and his mates would ride their bikes over. Cejay's passion for his interest eventually drew him to metal fabrication courses at TAFE. After three years of study and with an extraordinary work ethic, Cejay was recently named Hunter TAFE Apprentice of the Year. The talents of the former Morisset High School student were not lost on industry leaders, with TMS, a large Sydney?based air-conditioning duct manufacturer, offering Cejay employment, which he now undertakes while completing the remainder of his studies. Cejay was not the only young person in my electorate to be recognised in the annual awards. Zoe Saunders from Toronto won the Food Services and Hospitality Award and a scholarship that will no doubt set her off on a long and successful career path. I acknowledge the outstanding achievements of these young people whose hard work and dedication is a credit to them and a shining light to other young people in our community.