Northern Rivers Joshua Manning is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category of the North Coast & Mid North Coast Training Awards held tonight at the Byron Theatre.

The NSW Training Awards celebrate the best of vocational education and training (VET) in NSW and are the premier VET awards in the state. They are conducted annually by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of Education to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector.

The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, trainers/teachers, registered training organisations and employers.

Josh has an affinity with vehicles, like they are an extension of his body. He has grown up with a father who is a mechanic, and whose reputation was renown in Ballina.

“I grew up in a family with a great mechanical family, especially with dad," Josh said.

“Everything I do is in some way car related, whether it is working as a mechanic, working at Supercheap on the weekend, or going bushwalking or camping on the weekend - it’s a car that gets me to all the places I want to go.

"Growing up, we had a property out at Tabulam and pretty much all my weekends were taken up fixing and driving old dung box cars out in the bush. There were plenty of times I got myself in and out of trouble, so it’s kinda in my blood!”

The course Josh took at Wollongbar TAFE was a Cert III in Light Vehicle Mechanic and a night course - a Cert II in Electrical Automotive Vehicle course.  

Contenders must be nominated by their training providers. Josh was singled out by one of the trainers in the workshop.

“I was nominated by the tool shop guy, Liam, who is an absolute legend. I just love talking to him about cars. He is a top bloke and a genuinely nice fellow. 

“I feel honoured that he singled me out because there are that many young fellas and ladies that come through the course.” Josh considers Liam a good mate, so he couldn’t be more pleased with the recognition he has received.

Josh’s love of cars is not all talk. He owns 10 cars! I asked him about his favourite, and he sent me two photos, one of Duncan and the other is his 1966 Toyota Corona. 

“This is "Duncan" the flood-affected Land Cruiser. I bought him after the floods and got it going with the help of my Dad. I drove it 7000km down to the Flinders Ranges and across the Simpson Desert last year with our 4WD group. It didn't even break down once!”

“This is my 1966 Toyota Corona. I bought it when I was 16 years old for a thousand bucks with the money made from sweeping the floors at a fabrication shop. Dad and I restored it just in time to drive to my year 12 formal. My partner (shown in the photo) and I are still together, and I still have the car!”

The presentation event to announce the winners of this year’s North Coast & Mid North Coast Training Awards will be held tonight, on Friday, 21 June, at the Byron Theatre.

For individuals, the Awards provide a unique opportunity to celebrate their achievements and hard work. We wish Josh all the best tonight. He deserves it!

Regional winners of the individual award categories (Apprentice, Trainee, School-Based Apprentice/Trainee, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student, Vocational Student, VET in Schools Student & VET Trainer/Teacher) will represent their region and be invited for a state interview in Sydney. These interviews will be held from mid-to-late July, and candidates will be shortlisted to compete at the NSW Training Awards event in Sydney in September.

One step at a time for Josh.