BlueScope fitter Tom Oliphant has won Apprentice of the Year twice in five months, adding the 2026 Apprentice Employment Network NSW and ACT title to his Zeal Futures Excellence Awards win.
Oliphant, now a process technician at the Coupled Pickled Cold Mill (CPCM) at BlueScope’s Spring Hill Works at Port Kembla, completed his apprenticeship through group training organisation Zeal Futures, which employed him and placed him with BlueScope.
Oliphant told the Voices of BlueScope podcast he was “shocked” to win from a field of eight finalists.
He rotated through several areas of the steelworks, including the hot strip mill roll shop, the metal coating line and the slab caster, before taking his current role midway through his fourth year. Alongside his trade, he completed a diploma of mechanical engineering and competed in the machining stream of WorldSkills.
He said he values the “ownership” of working on the same equipment every day and said finishing his trade changed little: “I don’t feel any different.
“You’re always learning. You’re never done.” He now has an apprentice of his own, and that, too, inspires him to continue learning.
Now a keen advocate of apprenticeships, Oliphant encouraged people to take the plunge: “I would tell anyone to do it, no matter what trade you’re looking for, I’d suggest fitting. There’s not enough people wanting to be fitters.”
Oliphant described the work as problem-solving: “No breakdown or piece of equipment has ever beaten a fitter. They always work it out.”
Deadline date extended
Just when you thought you’d missed out on applying for the next Leadership Illawarra Program, there’s good news: you have until November 12.
“Due to strong interest and numerous requests for an extension, applications for the 2027–2028 Leadership Illawarra Program have been extended,” The Illawarra Connection posted on LinkedIn.
The two-year experiential program aims at equipping emerging and established leaders to build skills, expand regional networks, and create lasting impact across the Illawarra.
To apply for the 2027-28 cohort, hit this link.
Tourism industry heads to Shellharbour
Shellharbour will host the 2027 Australian Regional Tourism Convention.
"Delegates will experience first-hand the many reasons Shellharbour is becoming a destination of choice, from our spectacular coastline and outdoor adventures to our unique aviation experiences, Aboriginal cultural connections, thriving hospitality and dining scene, and strong sense of community," Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said.
Accommodation, dining and visitor spending, as well as “valuable national exposure” is likely to generate about $500,000 “in direct economic benefit for the region”, according to the council’s website.
The event is expected to be held in October 2027.
Need a bin night reminder?
Still have difficulty remembering bin night? Same. Well, now there’s a new app for that.
Wollongong residents can download the app, LoopedIn Councils, from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
There’s a personalised waste collection calendar, optional bin night reminders, access to make waste requests, including bin repairs, and personalised service alerts.
“Like many households, we sometimes rely on our neighbours to work out which bin to put out. We’ve all done it, and sometimes we get it wrong,” Cr Brown said. “Personalised reminders will take the guesswork out of bin night.”
LoopedIn Councils replaces the existing Wollongong Waste app.
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