Mitchell Ward
Mitchell’s passion for the automotive industry is in his blood. As a mechanic at his family’s car repair business, he is popular with customers who admire his skills and work ethic.
He excelled in all 36 units of his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and really enjoyed the applied learning that comes with an apprenticeship.
Mitchell was a finalist in the 2024 Chisholm Education Awards - Apprentice of the Year category; and the recipient of the Bill Norling Award, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale.
The Bill Norling Award is presented to an outstanding automotive apprentice at Chisholm Institute of TAFE each year to offer encouragement and reward achievement and endeavour. The award acknowledges the fine contribution to Rotary service of Bill Norling, and creates awareness of the role he played in the development of heavy vehicle engineering
Mitchell’s advice to people considering a trade is, “Don’t be afraid to give something new a try.”
In 2021, Chisholm educator, Stuart Barlow, encouraged Mitchell to compete in the Regional WorldSkills competition. Accepting the challenge, Mitchell studied hard, put in extra practice and had the mindset of – “if you’re going to give something a try, give it your best!” And he won!
That success guaranteed him a place in the National WorldSkills competition in 2023. His talent and dedication again shone through as he came fourth in the nation, receiving an excellence award for his efforts.
Mitchell has his eye on his future, and new industries where he can expand his mechanical skills. In the long term, he’s considering energy industries, potentially working with wind turbine production or innovation in the solar sector. We can’t wait to hear of his achievements.