The awards saw the TAFE provider recognise the achievements of apprentice students at a gala dinner, attended by apprentices, their employers, business owners and guests.
Awards were presented to apprentices in the first, second, third or fourth years from automotive, building and construction, electrical, engineering, hair and beauty, hospitality, baking and plumbing learning areas.
Michael was also an award winner previously for his Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology.
The Nanneella local is working at Rochester Motorcycles on Moore St while completing his TAFE studies in Echuca and working on a Kawasaki Zephyr 750 project bike.
‘‘It was good to learn things at TAFE and then have that reinforced at work, or the other way around sometimes,’’ he said.
While he only had to rebuild the engine for his studies, he decided to take it a step further and rebuild the bike from the ground-up — the only thing he didn’t do solo was paint it.
The whole project took 14 weeks, with only minor touches left to go for the bike.
And as for the award, he takes it all in his stride.
‘‘It was pretty good to receive the award and good to see the hard work has paid off this year,’’ he said.
Michael worked closely with his trainer Geoff Beer, who said he had come along in strides.
‘‘Michael is just an all-round good guy — he’s conscientious and dedicated,’’ he said.
‘‘The rebuild was his last unit and he did an amazing job on that bike.’’
The praise was similar from his employers Brian and Kate Murphy from Rochester Motorcycles.
‘‘We’re very proud of him for the work he’s done on it — it’s terrific,’’ they said.
Michael hopes to continue working at Rochester Motorcycles ‘‘for a few years’’ before potentially working on the family farm.
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