Workhorse turns into a bright spark

By Callan Date
EUMEMMERRING Secondary College student Nick Clydesdale is a true workhorse.
The Hallam campus Year 12 student was last week named as one of two local winners in the 2006 Australian Vocational student prize award and received $2000 for his efforts.
The 17-year-old was on a schoolies holiday with mates at Lorne when his mother phoned him with the good news.
“I was pretty excited when I found out I had won,” Nick said.
Nick won the award for his efforts in Electro Technology – a subject he describes as an introduction to the electrical field.
“I felt pretty honoured just to be nominated. There are a lot of kids at our school so I was honoured to receive the prize.”
The award, presented by Federal Government Senator Mitch Fifield, was given to Nick for demonstrating exceptional skills, commitment and achievement while undertaking the course as part of his VCE studies.
Nick plans to spend the cash prize on paying off his newly acquired Holden VT Commodore and celebrated with a few quite drinks with friends at Lorne.
Senator Fifield congratulated Nick and wished him continued success in his career ambitions.
Mr Fifield said the award is an important part of the Government’s $143 million Career Advice Australia program – designed to assist young people aged 13 to 19 through a national system of career development and transition support.
And the award is already starting to pay off for the humble teenager, who developed a passion for electronics about two years ago, with an apprenticeship offer.
“I will be working as a lines worker with a company based in Keysborough. It involves big electrical work with power lines,” Nick said.