Refrigeration and airconditioning apprentice Connor Spence wins Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award

An inspiring Whitsunday refrigeration and airconditioning apprentice mechanic has been recognised for his diligence, leadership skills and inventiveness at the Townsville Trade Awards.

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Connor Spence.

Described by his boss as “leading the way”, Whitsundays apprentice tradesman Connor Spence has won the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award at the TAFE Queensland 2022 Townsville Trade Excellence Awards.

A third year refrigeration and airconditioning apprentice mechanic, Connor was also named Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year at the event.

Connor said he was drawn to the technically diverse nature of the trade ever since he began with HJC Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in Proserpine straight from high school.

Managing director Hayden Carr nominated Connor because he said he “always giving 110 per cent”.

Mr Carr attested to Connor’s positive attitude and ability to inspire his colleagues with the construction of an elaborate test board set up for the workshop, which staff used regularly.

“The test board is a large box section and plywood construction on wheels that all of our apprentices use to practise installing split systems and other equipment or to help build the skill set needed to be successful,” Mr Carr said.

“Connor is always ahead of the pack, leading the way with his quality workmanship and superior problem solving skills.”

“He is always wanting to increase his knowledge of products within the industry and has the ability to apply it to the jobs he completes.

“He is always learning and adapting, becoming a better technician every week.”

At 20 years of age, Connor attributes his strong work ethic and leadership skills to his parents.

“They tried to give us everything we asked for when we were younger and any sport that we wanted to play, Dad was always there coaching or doing first aid,” he said.

“They ran their own business for about 26 years, so they were always starting early and finishing late, so I guess being around hardworking people rubbed off.”

Connor is also proud of his contribution to Mr Carr’s expanding business.

“When I started with Hayden it was just him and I, and his business has slowly been getting larger,” he said.

“I was his first apprentice and we now have three apprentices, two tradies, an office lady and we’ve moved into a warehouse.

“I actually started with him when he was still working out of his house.”

Connor encourages anyone considering a trade to experience a range of them before deciding on one.

“As a qualified tradie, you can go anywhere and find different opportunities,” he said.

“There are a lot of different fields out there you can try. It’s good to explore jobs, and just find something you enjoy doing.”