Two young Sharks NYC squad members, apprentices with Risen Developments, have been recognised for their work away from the playing field with NSW Housing Industry Association (HIA) Apprentices awards.
Harrison Muller, a lock-front rower with the Sharks NYC side and Jack Williams, a member of the successful SG Ball team who was promoted into the Under-20 squad during the season just ended, both received apprentice awards at the recent HIA Awards night.
Williams claimed both the First Year Carpenters Apprentice accolade, as well as the NSW HIA Apprentice Encouragement award, while Muller took out the prize for second year carpentry apprentices along with the Work Health and Safety (WHS) award.
Craig Preston, owner operator of Risen Developments, the employer of both Williams and Muller, was also rewarded for his efforts in being named the NSW HIA apprentice Host Trainer of the Year.
Sharks Education and Welfare Manager Bryan Norrie was thrilled the two young Sharks, and their employer, had been recognised for their efforts with these prestigious awards and without getting into the potential they might have on the field, is confident they have a bright future away from it.
“I’m sure that they will become great tradesmen under Craig’s guidance and will go on to be our employers of the future,” Norrie began. “As for Craig, his company Risen Developments have been very supportive of HIA apprentices in conjunction with the NRL program.
“He currently employs three carpentry apprentices and all of them enjoy good quality training with Craig and his team.”
As for HIA and the motivation behind such awards, company representative Adrian Whitney explains is it important to recognise and celebrate the achievements on those within the building industry.
“It is that time of the year where we reflect on how well our Apprentices have been performing in their Trades and give them their turn to shine.
“The HIA Apprentice awards celebrate our future tradespeople and encourage continued excellence in the industry,” Whitney said.
As for the individual honours, Whitney was full of praise for Williams and Muller in claiming their particular awards.
“Jack has taken an approach to his apprenticeship well beyond his years,” Whitney began. “From the day he had his interview here at HIA, combined with the interview he had with his now Host Trainer, he has shown a great level of maturity and continues to take this same approach to each working day.
“As for his encouragement award, it was not only to recognise the dedication and hard work Jack gives to his apprenticeship but to also recognise his external commitments.
“Currently playing in the NRL’s NYC competition for the Cronulla Sharks, this commitment alone requires strict discipline and time management. To combine this with a full time apprenticeship and to not falter, that is an amazing achievement,” Whitney said.
“We here at HIA Apprentices, are extremely proud of Jack’s achievements.”
During the first year of his apprenticeship Williams has received experience in the construction of new homes, in renovations, demolition and earthworks
In relation to Muller, he too comes with extremely impressive references for his work and for his development over the two years of his apprenticeship.
“Harrison most definitely has a bright future in the Construction Industry,” Whitney said. “The level of commitment, skill and responsibility he brings to his game, is second to none. This is Harrison’s second year running at being nominated for the NSW HIA Apprentice awards and he most certainly has earned it.
“His Host Trainer says ‘if every builder had a Harrison type like apprentice, the industry would most certainly be in safe hands’, with his Host Trainer viewing him as a very capable site foreman and can only see his business improving whilst Harrison is a part of the company.”
In his two years in the industry under the guidance of Preston, Muller has received experience in new Homes, underpinning, formwork, concreting, renovations, decking and demolition and as a 2IC to his boss is gaining experience as a site foreman.
With regards to their rugby league, Muller in turning 20 this season moves on from the Sharks NYC team, however Williams is likely to be an integral part of the Cronulla Holden Cup side in 2016.
Both however are in good hands with Risen Developments and the HIA Apprentice program in which they are currently involved.
NOTE: The Sharks thank Risen Developments for their employment, education and encouragement of the two NYC Players. Any businesses big or small who may have similar apprenticeship or employment opportunities for young Sharks players are invited to contact Bryan Norrie at the Sharks for more information.
CAPTION - Lead photo - From left, John Hutchison (NRL League Wise program), Harrison Muller, Craig Preston (Risen Developments), Jack Williams
