TAFE SA electrical apprentice Shelley Elliott has been recognised for her business sense and intellect with the top prize in the Clipsal Sparkies Scholarship Program.

Shelley was one of 10 TAFE SA apprentices chosen to be part of the three-month Sparkies program, held late last year, which included specialised business training and mentoring from leading electricians and hands-on training sessions with the latest technology and products.

Each participant received a $2000 grant, while Shelley – named The Apprentice of the Year – also received $5000 for excelling academically, in the field and on a special task created by Clipsal.

Shelley, who works at BHP’s Olympic Dam, says taking part in the program was a rewarding experience despite having to juggle the activities with the challenges of nightshift.

“The days we went to the program I was always on nightshift, so it was difficult for me to stay awake and attend the sessions, but I learnt that if you put your mind to it you can really make some wonderful things happen,” she says.

“The program was about life after your apprenticeship, what you could do with what you have learnt and how you could run your own business. It also involved learning about Clipsal’s products and new smart home systems.”

The final part of the Sparkies program involved creating a business plan and power point presentation to promote her business to a potential client.

“My demographic ‘out sources’ meant I had to come up with a business plan that would attract people who don’t have time to be a part of the process and just need the work to be done correct and on time,” she says.

Shelley credits the program and its guest speakers with giving her the knowledge she needed to create a winning proposal.

“The business plan and the video I made wowed the judges and that’s what won me the final prize of $5000,” she says.

“I have the knowledge now to help me pursue my own business in the future, and I am very thankful for that experience and thank TAFE SA for selecting me to be in the program.”

For now, Shelley is focused on finishing her apprenticeship and enjoying her role at Olympic Dam where she is part of the Surface Electrical Department and the only female on her shift.

“I really enjoy working with my team, they are such amazing people, and they make a long 12-hour day go by faster,” she says.