Bethany Jones | SA Apprentice of the Year | 2025 SA Training Awards

ATEC staff and industry representatives gathered at Pat’s Café on Tuesday, 12 November, to celebrate Mechanical Trade apprentice Bethany Jones, who was recently named the South Australian Training Awards Apprentice of the Year.

Originally from regional South Australia, Jones has built an impressive career pathway through her apprenticeship with ATEC, earning recognition for her leadership, technical ability and commitment to supporting others in the industry. As a strong advocate for wellbeing, inclusion and mental health, she has contributed to initiatives such as the Breaking Barriers Project and Welding Foundations for Women in Western Australia, programs aimed at encouraging and supporting the next generation of women in trades.

The celebration was attended by ATEC leadership, including Chair Ian Curry and Deputy Chair Doug Searle, along with Group Training Manager Sam Oxford-Solly. Representatives from MAS National, sponsor of the Apprentice of the Year Award and Jones’s ACAP provider, Ryan Palmer and Sophie Corbett, were also present.

Beth’s current employer, the AMWU, was represented by Industrial Support Officer Harry White. ATEC team members from across the organisation joined the event, along with several ATEC Mechanical Engineering apprentices and Jones’s parents, Paula and Patrick Jones, who proudly supported the celebration.

Guests enjoyed a morning tea catered by Xpress Catering, operators of ATEC’s onsite café at the Ottoway campus. A wide selection of finger foods was provided, with mini sliders and freshly baked scones proving especially popular. The café is open to the public on weekdays.

ATEC extends its congratulations to Bethany Jones on this outstanding achievement and acknowledges the support of MAS National, the AMWU, and all attendees who contributed to the success of the event.