Apprentice a real live wire

Stefan Moskaljuk with his award. (Joe Mastroianni) 205566_01

Jessica Micallef

Helping a friend has sparked a new career for Stefan Moskaljuk – and he has an award to go with it.

The Diggers Rest resident was presented with the Electrical Apprentice of the Year award at Kangan Institute’s Industry Excellence Awards last month.

Mr Moskaljuk enjoyed a 20-year career as a carpenter and a site supervisor before he was forced to explore a new career path when the company he worked for collapsed.

“The electrical side of building was the only trade I had no experience in,” Mr Moskaljuk said.

“When a friend asked me to help him out with managing a team of electricians on a commercial job site, I jumped at the chance to gain some experience.”

This then led him to joining NRW Electrical Services as a mature-aged apprentice and undertaking a certificate III in electrotechnology electrician at Kangan Institute in Broadmeadows.

“Training at Kangan TAFE has helped me understand the theory and concepts behind electricity, how it works and how we, as electrical technicians, must follow guidelines, standards and safe work practices to make it safe for all who may come into contact with electrical devices,” Mr Moskaljuk said.

“I am very humbled to have won apprentice of the year for my chosen field.

“I would like to thank the entire electrotechnology staff from the Broadmeadows campus for helping me to achieve this prestigious award.

“I would also like to thank my employers for giving me an opportunity to pursue a career in the electrical industry and all their help when I was unsure.

“And lastly, my partner Natasha. For supporting me whilst I underwent this training to further enhance my career.”