Son's Chance To Reach His Dream

Newcastle Herald

Saturday June 23, 2001

NSW Education and Training Minister John Aquilina will officially sign tomorrow the indentures of Hunter Valley Training Company apprentice carpenter and joiner Jeremy Starr.

The signing will be part of the HVTC's 20th anniversary celebrations.

Mr Starr, who has just begun his career with the company, is the son of Wal Starr, the first apprentice to graduate from the company back in 1983.

Mr Starr senior is also a carpenter and joiner.

`I'm delighted the HVTC has taken Jeremy on board,' Mr Starr said,`I know they'll look after him.

`I was an out-of-work apprentice when they took me on and it was a great relief to have the security it provided.

`They placed me with Roberts Construction (now Barclay Mowlem) working on the Bayswater Power Station project and I saw my apprenticeship right through.

`Getting my trade has seen me reach my dream. Now Jeremy has the same opportunity and I'm very pleased he is employed by the HVTC.'

Wal Starr has been working as a building maintenance officer with Singleton Shire Council for the past 12 years.

Jeremy's indentures will remain with the HVTC until he graduates.

He is working for host employer Geoff Graham Building Services at Cardiff.