Vroom vroom! Meet our Motorcycling Apprentice of the Year

What do you get when you mix a talent for problem solving, critical thinking, a love of wheels and a pair of hands that works magic with grease and oil?

The Ulysses Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year for Queensland and Northern Territory that is 19 year-old, TAFE Queensland student Bailey Rice!

On the cusp of graduating with a Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology AUR30820 from TAFE Queensland Hervey Bay campus in March 2023, Bailey is riding a high after being awarded this significant accolade.

In a highly competitive process that saw many entrants vying for the state title across Queensland and the Northern Territory, Bailey was the standout winner for the award thanks to his problem solving skills, hard work and dedication.

This annual competition is aimed at encouraging and promoting young people to pursue a career in the motorcycle industry so nominations from motorcycle apprentices and mechanics nearing the end of their courses are received from all around the country.

The competition criteria required Bailey to show his commitment, dedication and a genuine enthusiasm for his chosen profession.

Not only did Bailey score extremely well in the technical quiz which required him to diagnose a motorcycling problem, he was also highly commended for the quality of his work and ethics.

“I’m absolutely stoked about this award as it recognises the knowledge, skills and all the things I’ve learnt since studying at TAFE Queensland and being an apprentice,” Bailey said.

“I couldn’t have done it though without the support and encouragement of my teacher, Jeff Morris, who’s a top bloke and is very good at what he does which is making students feel confident and comfortable with what they’re learning.

“I also want to give a shout out to my boss Theo Tergiakis for his support and knowledge.”

Bailey was nominated by Jeff Morris, Teacher of Automotive, from TAFE Queensland Hervey Bay campus, who saw Bailey’s potential firsthand and knew straightaway that he had the skills and ability to meet the challenges set by the competition.

“Bailey is easily one of my best students and this award is a fantastic recognition of his talent,” Mr Morris said.

“I'm sure Bailey will become a leader in his chosen field in the not too distant future or even start his own business, such is his talent.”

While the overall national winner won’t be announced until May 2023, TAFE Queensland General Manager (East Coast region), Ana Rodger, said that she is incredibly proud of and thrilled for Bailey's success.

“This is such a well-deserved and wonderful outcome for Bailey who’s a hardworking, committed and very bright student so I think he’s definitely got a great shot at the national title,” Ms Rodger said.

“I'm always amazed by the quality of students that our Fraser Coast campuses consistently produce which is testament to the calibre of training and education our educators provide.

“There’s no greater reward than seeing our students complete their studies and being job-ready with the qualifications and skills they've earned at TAFE Queensland as they enter the workforce and knowing that we've played a major role in their journey.”

According to the latest Australian Labour Markets Insights snapshot, Queensland has the second largest share of employment for motorcycle mechanics across Australia at 25.5% after New South Wales.

Motorcycle mechanics can also apply their skills in other industries such as retail trade, transport, postal and warehousing.

Ultimately, Bailey wants to do further studying at university so he can one day become an aeronautical engineer (watch out space industry!)

In the meantime, he’s a shining example of the greatness that can happen at TAFE Queensland every day when you work hard, focus on your goals and want to make a difference in the world.

Visit tafeqld.edu.au to find out more about the Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology AUR30820 course.