Local baker rises to the top
Thursday, 13 August 2009 5:42PM
Darrell Geary
Former Yarrabah baker Darrell Geary can truly claim the mantle of cream of the crop after being named North Queensland's best apprentice at the 2009 North Queensland Training Awards in Townsville on Saturday.
The 28 year old Tropical North Queensland TAFE apprentice was selected from more than 100 finalists from all over north Queensland including the Torres Strait, Townsville and Mount Isa.
Tropical North Queensland TAFE Director Jo Pyne said Darrell demonstrated the strength of local talent on show at the awards.
"All three NQ Apprentice of the Year finalists were from far north Queensland, which is a credit to them, their employers and their TAFE teachers," Ms Pyne said.
"It is a tremendous honour to be recognised at this level and Darrell is a deserving winner.
"He is a great role model to not only Indigenous youth but young apprentices all over Queensland."
Darrell first started his apprenticeship with Yarrabah Bakery in 2006 after being approached at an opportune moment.
"It was about 7am and I walked into the Yarrabah Bakery to pick up the bread order for the local service station," Darrell said.
"The bakery was flat out and while waiting for my order I was offered a job, right there and then, so I took it."
Darrell has also worked at Gordonvale's Pie-Fection Bakery and was awarded Best NQ Bakery Apprentice at the recent Queensland Bakery Awards.
"I never thought I would get this far in my career - I just set out to do the best I could," Darrell said.
"I encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to give it a go. It can be a truly rewarding experience."
Darrell will now compete at the Queensland finals in Brisbane on 11 September.
Other winners from the 2009 North Queensland Training Awards include Cairns-based business Andrew Evans Plumbing who was awarded Small Employer of the Year.
For more information on the 2009 North Queensland Training Awards visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.
29 July 2009