South West Institute of Technology student Ashley Chitty has gone above and beyond during her time as an apprentice.

Miss Chitty, a third year fitter at Worsley, has excelled in her apprenticeship andwas awarded the Aboriginal Academic and Women in Non-Traditional Trade Award.

She said the past three years had been a great learning experience.

‘‘I did my pre-apprenticeship at TAFE and that gave me the knowledge and a push to try it,’’ Miss Chitty said.

‘‘I’ve always been a shy person but this has brought me out of my shell a bit.’’

Institute lecturer Jack McDonnell said Miss Chitty was a role model for other women looking to go down the same path.

‘‘Ashley demonstrated a mechanical aptitude while completing her pre-apprenticeship at SWIT,’’ Mr McDonnell said.

‘‘She deserved to be recognised by the engineering community for her continued efforts in her chosen field.’’