The 4am starts have sometimes been a challenge, but a passion for the livestock industry and the people who work in it have rewarded The Armidale School’s Wally Davidson who on Friday night (23 June) was named runner up School Based Apprentice/Trainee at the New England region NSW Training Awards.
Since starting a school-based traineeship with Davidson Cameron agency (no relation) in Tamworth two years ago when he was in Year 10, Wally has often worked on Sunday nights before starting again at 4am to prepare stock for sale at Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange, assisting with clearing sales and online auctions, then driving himself back up the hill to boarding school in Armidale on Monday evenings.
“On Wednesdays I remained at school and studied a Certificate IV real estate (stock and station) agency course through Professional College by correspondence, and I have just handed in my last assessment to complete this course. I also obtained my certificate of registration and have participated in an auctioneers course through ALPA” Wally said.
“I enjoy my work as I like working with stock, meeting people in the industry, learning ways to improve my skill set and being out and about in the region. I have enjoyed the responsibility of meeting clients and having the opportunity to sell and present their livestock and property on their behalf.”
Recognising his hard work, consistent effort and potential in the industry, Wally’s employer Daniel McCulloch nominated him for the School Based Trainee award.
“For the award I needed to write a submission and was then interviewed by a panel of three people. There were 23 finalists who I was competing against so it was an honour to receive this award from a large list of trainees around the region, and the process of selection, as well as the awards night itself, was a great experience,” Wally said.
