Jack Morris, of East Perth, has been named South Metropolitan TAFE’s (SM TAFE) Trainee of the Year.
Inspired by his grandfather’s naval and aviation interests, Jack always knew from a young age that his career pathway would lead to the defence industry.
Jack has undertaken a 12-month traineeship with BAE Systems Australia and a 52864WA Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways, as part of the Australian Government’s Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP). And he has done so while also completing a double Bachelor of Arts and Commerce degree at Curtin University.
The DIPP, developed in partnership with the Department of Defence and SM TAFE and supported by WA’s maritime defence industry, is a taster course designed to set participants on a path to an exciting defence industry career.
As a recent DIPP graduate, Jack has already achieved a string of accolades.
In 2022, he was awarded the Australian Industry Defence Network (AIDN) WA Young Achiever of the Year and in March 2023, received the SM TAFE Trainee Excellence Award and Department of Defence Leadership Award.
Jack is now employed with BAE Systems Australia as a trainee Detailed Design Draftsperson and hopes to be involved with the upgrade of the Naval Frigates in coming years.
SM TAFE Executive Director Training Services and award panel chair Jonathon Maile said Jack was an outstanding student and a worthy recipient of the SM TAFE Trainee of the Year award.
“Jack has a high aptitude with a real thirst for knowledge,” Jonathon said.
“He is a great ambassador for SM TAFE and the defence industry as both an inspiring leader and mentor, and is set for a bright future.”
SM TAFE’s Student Awards recognise the achievements of students from across the college, including winners in the categories Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, International Student of the Year, Vocational Student of the Year, VET Secondary Student of the Year, and the Cultural Diversity Training Award.