Narrogin’s Bayley Draper awarded Car Craft West Australian Apprentice of the Year

First-year apprentice Bayley Draper has distinguished himself and Narrogin Smash Repair after being named the Car Craft West Australian apprentice of the year. Narrogin Smash Repair owner Terry Nankivell is proud to see Mr Draper’s efforts recognised. “He’s been with us about a year now. He’s probably working to a higher standard than first-year level, he’s working at second or third-year level and that’s why he got the award,” Mr Nankivell said. “He loves cars and he loves what he does.” The award is given by panel beating and smash repair industry group Car Craft to outstanding first-year apprentices across Australia. “He’s done really well, we’re very proud of him, it’s quite an achievement,” Mr Nankivell said. Motor mechanics and smash repairers are in high demand throughout Australia and attracting and retaining trainees and apprentices can be difficult. Narrogin Smash Repair has engaged another young apprentice since Mr Draper came on board, and Mr Nankivell couldn’t be happier. “It’s good to have Bayley there to be a bit of a role model and give him something to aspire to, it’s great for the business, he’s fantastic,” he said. “We’ve been very fortunate to have the apprentices we have.” On Friday, March 10, Mr Nankivell presented Mr Draper with his award at his workshop on Stewart Place. “I’ve grown up with Dad, restoring cars, I’ve always liked cars, I was drawn to it,” Mr Draper said. “My brother’s a mechanic so I thought I’d choose a different path from him.” A down-to-earth apprentice who enjoys having the opportunity to work on a variety of cars, Mr Draper responded to the recognition of his excellence humbly. “I didn’t pay too much attention to it,” he said. “My family’s pretty crazy about it but I don’t let it go to my head.”