One of the stand-out elements of Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year 2015 program is the comprehensive judging process which is designed to be fair, independent and offer important feedback and advice to competition entrants.

Once entries have closed the following process will occur:

• All entries will be assessed on their individual merit and a shortlist will be formed.
• Shortlisted entries will be contacted for additional interviews or questions, and references will also be contacted for supporting information.
• Final judging and assessment will take place, with the overall and category winners selected on Monday 19th October 2015.
  
• The judges’ decisions are final.

Michael Caruso was the leading charge for Nissan Motorsport in 2014, and he is looking to become an overall contender this year. Caruso finished the 2014 season in 10th overall – the highest placed Nissan driver and the first time a Nissan has finished inside the top 10 in the new era of V8 Supercars racing. With the Sydney-born driver sporting the factory colours of Nissan Nismo in 2015, Caruso is hoping to be fighting for more than just top 10s.

Caruso started his motorsport career in karting at the age of 11, winning countless titles. He stepped up to Formula Ford and Formula 3 before turning his attention to V8 Supercars racing in 2004. He competed in the Development Series, finishing second in the 2007 title before moving to the main series with Garry Rogers Motorsport. Caruso collected a number of podiums and a race win before switching to Nissan at the start of the 2013 season.

Wayne began his working career by joining the Army at the age of 16 and completing an Army Apprenticeship as a Fitter & Turner.

During his 24 year military career, he worked his way up through the ranks holding positions as Section Leader, Workshop Manager, Trade Instructor, Apprentice Master and Career Manager, before retiring as a Warrant Officer Class One in 2001.

Since 2001, Wayne has been employed by the Department of Defence as the National Technical Training Manager, responsible for the management of all Army and Air Force ground based apprenticeships, currently numbering more than 1000 apprentices.

Wayne is the Chairman of the Victorian Heavy Vehicle Training Advisory Committee as well as a member of the Heavy Vehicle Sector Committee within Auto Skills Australia.

In 1970 Stuart started his career by undertaking an automotive light vehicle mechanical apprenticeship, and by 1988 he was teaching light and heavy vehicle apprentices. Stuart has always worked with apprentices, making it the focus on his career. He joined AutoSkills Australia in 2012, developing and writing up the training packages for heavy commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, mobile plant and outdoor power equipment. Stuart is proud to be consistently a part of the Snap-on Apprentice of the Year as he applies his knowledge to reviewing the applications. He has firsthand seen the commitment and skill level of the apprentices who will become future technicians.

Stuart joined the AAAA as Executive Director in February 2006. The AAAA represents the interests of manufacturers, re-manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, resellers and retailers of automotive parts, accessories, tools and equipment in Australia. Established in 1980, the AAAA now has more than 1,700 members, produces The Australian Auto Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expo, publishes the Australian Automotive Aftermarket magazine and represents the industry before Governments and Regulators.

Prior to joining the AAAA Stuart held the role of Executive Director of the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia (SAE-A) which is the representative body for Automotive Engineers in Australasia. It has a membership of 2000 engineering professionals covering the full spectrum of the automotive and related industries. Key sectors include vehicle manufacturers and importers, component manufacturers, service and repair, insurance, education and training and government agencies.

Snap-on Tools Business Manager Alan Moon has been in the Automotive Industry for 37 years. Born in Adelaide, he worked for 15 years as a Mechanic in his family business before going on to become an expert Automotive Engineer.

In 1994 he joined Snap-on Tools as a Franchisee and moved on to be a Sales Manager and then a Business Manager. Assisting our Franchisees in their day to day running of their business, understanding and selling our quality products.

Over his career he has trained 16 apprentices and was the first person in Adelaide to use the group apprentice program, staying with it for 11 years. Alan has been involved in the Apprentice of the Year Award since its inception and is an expert at assessing and judging quality workmanship and bright potential in young apprentices.