Melinda Lethbridge always had a fascination with how things work and had a natural skill and passion for hands-on work, but felt obliged to pursue a tertiary pathway.
After spending a week doing work experience at Hargo Engineering, she decided that an Australian Apprenticeship in fitting and machining was a good balance between theoretical and practical learning.
She enrolled in a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade at Swinburne University of Technology and commenced her apprenticeship at Hargo Engineering the day after completing her school exams.
Melinda competed at the 2014 World Skills Australia National Competition. She received Swinburne’s Best in First Year and Best in Third Year awards.
Melinda was the winner of the Australian Apprentice of the Year Award at the 2014 Australian Training Awards. The award recognises the most outstanding Australian Apprentice in Australia.