Win has Nathan on top of the, um, roof!

KATINA CURTIS

TWO local apprentices have won acknowledgement as being the best in their industries in the Illawarra and South Eastern NSW.

Nathan Timms from Minnamurra was awarded Apprentice of the Year in Roof Tiling at an awards ceremony a fortnight ago.

Mr Timms is a fourth-generation roof tiler and completed his apprenticeship in April with his father's roofing business.

He used to join his father, Steve, on worksites as a child, and said: "I just couldn't wait to get out and start working myself."

Mr Timms now has plans to start his own roofing company.

Steve Timms said he was approached by the Department of Education to nominate his son for the award because of his good grades in the TAFE component of the apprenticeship.

Nathan's mum, Sharon, said her son had come a long way from being a child afraid of heights who used to get stuck up trees.

The other winner was Brooke Askew, who works at Gerringong Preschool.

Ms Askew was named as Trainee of the Year for Children's Services.

"When I commenced my traineeship, I was a little sceptical about my commitment to study," Brooke said.

"The completion of my traineeship has led me to further my qualifications within the industry and I am currently completing a diploma in children's services by correspondence."