Three exceptional young leaders from HVTC (Hunter Valley Training Company) have been recognised at the 2014 Hunter Region Apprenticeships and Traineeships Advisory (HRATA) awards. Two apprentices took out the top awards: Overall Apprentice of the Year and Overall Trainee of the Year. A third apprentice took out the Excellence in Manufacturing Award.

Andrew Godwin was named Apprentice of the Year Engineering - Mechanical Certificate III and then went on to win the Overall Apprentice of the Year across all trades. Andrew, who was sponsored by Glencore, is now a qualified fitter with Walter Diversified Services (WDS) at Cameron Park. Joshua Lodge was awarded the Trainee of the Year Award - Laboratory Operations Certificate IV and then took out Overall Trainee of the Year across all vocations. Joshua, hosted by Origin Energy, is currently undertaking a Chemical Traineeship – Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques while also completing his university studies, working towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical).

Cameron Baxter, hosted at Maitland City Council, was named Apprentice of the Year, Engineering – Fabrication Certificate III and was also awarded an Excellence in Manufacturing Award given to an apprentice who achieved excellent study and workplace results in the manufacturing trades.