November 11, 2015

Named after the Company’s founder, Mr Allan George Coombs AM*, the Allan Coombs Training Award commenced in 2000 and is conferred annually. Recipients of the award receive a financial endowment, with an identical amount donated to the winner’s charity of choice which, this year, was Legacy; a charity that provides services to Australian families suffering financially and socially after the incapacitation or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service.

This is Michael’s first industry award, and was presented at the A.G. Coombs Annual Dinner & Awards Night on Saturday 17 October 2015; a particularly special event this year with the company also celebrating its seventieth year in business.

“I am very honoured to have received the 2015 Allan Coombs Training Award”, stated Michael on receiving the award. “I was in a very strong group of apprentices and trainees, all of whom were very deserving, and I congratulate them being finalists. I always wanted to work with A.G. Coombs, even from a young age. We were, and still are, the place to work! I’ve had some great experiences during my apprenticeship and have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge from colleagues, managers and the industry. It is an honour to be presented with this award, and I’m excited at the prospect of building a long and worthwhile career with A.G. Coombs.”

The A.G. Coombs Group strongly supports Australian apprenticeships, recognising that they are the best way to combine training and entry point employment, leading to a nationally recognised qualification and career path.

A.G. Coombs’ Managing Director, Mr Russell Telford, elaborates, “Our long history in apprenticeship training and development continues to be further strengthened with our Apprenticeship Program, helping to ensure that apprentices make the most of their training opportunities to become effective and capable tradespeople with a great future in the industry”, he said. “We combine professional mentoring and active engagement with partner educational facilities to continually track training progress and to help ensure that the educational curriculum is appropriate to workplace and apprentice needs.

“The Allan Coombs Training Award is a significant accomplishment for any apprentice who receives it. Michael has been an invaluable member of the team; we’re proud to support him on his journey and look forward to working with him over the years to come.”