LOXTON maintenance fitter Jakob Johinke-Milich and Barmera chef Madison Lailey are joint winners of the region’s most prestigious vocational award.
Mr Johinke-Milich, an apprentice at Loxton’s The Wine Group (TWG), and Mr Lailey, an apprentice at the Barmera Hotel, have shared the Apprentice of the Year gong, announced at the 2020 Riverland and Mallee Vocational Awards last Friday.
The successful duo both also received industry awards in their respective fields of engineering and cookery.
The awards night, which was hosted by the Rotary Club of Berri at the Berri Hotel, saw a strong attendance of finalists, family members, sponsors and employees celebrate this year’s group of young achievers.
Mr Johinke-Milich, who was unable to attend the night due to illness, said he was “amazed” when he received the call.
“This was the second time I had been nominated for the award and this year I had a feeling I had a better shot at taking it home,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I was too crook to attend the night but my mum and stepdad went on my behalf and accepted the award.
“I was devastated I couldn’t be there but I am proud of my efforts and cannot thank everyone enough.
“I am TWG’s first ever apprentice, so to be their first apprentice and to win the award is very special.
“I’m grateful for TWG’s cellar manager Caroline Tomic for the application and the maintenance manager Ken Boden for giving me the opportunity.
“This award means the world to me and it has definitely opened up doors.”
Mr Lailey said he was “still coming to terms with winning”.
“I don’t think a chef has won the award for a while so it felt pretty good,” he said.
“When I won the Industry Award I was shaking and couldn’t believe it, but when my name got announced for Apprentice of the Year I thought I was dreaming.
“It hasn’t been an easy journey so to be recognised for my hard work was amazing.
“I love my job and I love the Barmera Hotel. I am so grateful for the support I have received over the years.
“At the moment there is one other chef left and she’s been amazing.”
Mr Lailey said receiving the award has already opened many opportunities.
“I have had a few job offers over the past few days from people I work with and it feels amazing,” he said.
“At the same time, I’m thinking, ‘everyone please slow down and let me enjoy the moment’.
“It goes to show that hard work pays off and I feel extremely proud to win not only for myself but also on behalf of the hotel.”
The duo will share the perpetual trophy for the rest of the year.