BACK TO ALL NEWS

30-Mar-2026 | Events Apprenticeship Support Service

2026 ATEC Training Awards & Graduation Ceremony

Last Friday, SYC was proud to attend the 2026 ATEC Training Awards and Graduation Ceremony, joining apprentices, employers, training organisations and industry leaders to celebrate the achievements of South Australia’s emerging trades workforce.

As Major Sponsor of the event, SYC supported an evening that recognised the hard work, skill and commitment of apprentices across carpentry, mechanical, fabrication and electrotechnology trades, along with the schools, employers and mentors who support them along the way.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the presentation of the Pat O’Reilly Memorial Apprentice of the Year Award. Named in honour of ATEC’s first CEO, the late Pat O’Reilly, the award recognises an apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment and determination throughout their training.

SYC’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Employment and Education, Stacey Dutschke, had the privilege of co-presenting the award alongside Pat’s son, recognising his lasting contribution to the vocational training sector.

This year, we are thrilled to congratulate Jake Palmer, a 4th Year Metal Fabrication apprentice, on receiving the award. A well-deserved recognition of his skill, dedication and commitment to his trade.

As an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider, SYC supports apprentices and employers with practical, tailored support throughout the apprenticeship journey. From helping apprentices stay engaged and navigate challenges to supporting employers to build capable and confident teams, our work plays an important role in strengthening both individual outcomes and the industry more broadly.

As a not-for-profit, we see apprenticeships as part of something bigger. Completing an apprenticeship can open the door to greater confidence, stability and opportunity, with lasting benefits for individuals, families, workplaces and communities.

We are proud to partner with organisations like ATEC that share a commitment to recognising effort, backing people and supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Congratulations to Jake on this well-deserved recognition, along with all the finalists, graduates and award winners. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.

Learn more about our Australian Apprenticeship Support Services