On Friday May 30 at the Sheetmetal Industry Gala Dinner in Sydney, Year 12 student James Priest from Bellingen High School was announced 'Sculptor of the Year 2008'. James was presented the Award by Sheetmetal Industry Association President Walter Suber and MP Maria Vanvakinov. The judges from the National Arts School, Sydney commended the high standard of work achieved by the finalists, 9 coming from DET schools and 3 from private grammar schools from across New South Wales. James' first prize won him $1000 for Bellingen High School. He also raised $200 for Disability Services Charity from the sale of his sculpture at live auction. Year 8 student Jack Dillon was also awarded a 'Highly Commended' for his sculpture "Treacherous Tulips". His award won $250 for Bellingen High School and the sale of his sculpture at the silent auction raised $60 for Disability Services Charity. This was a fantastic result for Bellingen High and the prize money will go towards purchasing new metalworking equipment to promote sculpture building by future students. At the same dinner, former Bellingen High student Robert Daley, was one of the six finalists for the Metalworking Apprentice of the Year Award. He was nominated by company Faircloth and Reynolds and the Chullora TAFE. Robert, son of Jeff and Julie Daley, was one of the five finalists in this year’s “SIA Apprentice of the Year” awards. Robert is a 4th year apprentice at Faircloth and Reynolds of Coffs Harbour, where he specialises in stainless steel fabrication. The NSW SIA “Apprentice of the Year” awards are a joint Sheetmetal Industry/TAFE initiative that recognises the academic achievements of our young tradespersons. To qualify for the awards, Sheetmetal apprentices across NSW are nominated by their TAFE teachers. They are assessed on a competitive basis, based on specified competency tests assessing their practical and theoretical ability together with the employers’ evaluation. Finally, a short list of nine apprentices are interviewed by a SIA Sub Committee comprising of Sheetmetal Company Directors, a TAFE Educational Manager and established industry players to select the finalist and winners for the awards. Although Robert was unsuccessful in gaining either of the major awards on the night, being named as a finalist is an achievement on its own considering all the other finalists were from large metropolitan areas. To complete his apprenticeship, Robert has had to travel to Sydney for a two week study block 4 times a year for the last 3 years. He was nominated for the award by his TAFE teacher Phil Myers who spoke most highly of Robert’s high academic achievement and of his excellent attitude to his chosen trade. This was echoed by Robert’s foreman, Gary Lane, who praised him on his attention to detail and work ethics. Faircloth and Reynolds, along with his family and friends are extremely proud of Robert’s achievements. It is amazing that out of the hundreds and thousands of TAFE and High School students across the state who were competing for these prestige awards, a small regional town like Bellingen had three well-deserving representatives at this year’s SIA Awards ceremony.