National Safe Work Month 2025: Star apprentices shine

To celebrate National Safe Work Month throughout October, Australian Industry Group has been showcasing members committed to creating safe and healthy workplaces.

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on two Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre (ATC) apprentices recognised by their host companies for embracing this year’s Safe Work Month theme of safety: every job, every day.

Jade Adzievski is a third-year fitter machinist apprentice hosted to Hitachi and Jasmine Koltai is a third-year electrical apprentice hosted to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP).

Jade, who carries out field service on air compressors, received Hitachi’s 1-5 Safety Star Award last month for recognising a potentially dangerous situation during a routine service and informing her supervisor.

“I’ve been at this site before without issue, but on this occasion, I noticed something just wasn’t right,” the 23-year-old, above, said. 

“The compressor didn’t look like it was completely powered down, even though the display screen was turned off. 

“I realised it wasn’t adequately isolated. Not only that, but the isolation board was inside the workshop and could be turned on at any time. 

“Simultaneously, the machine was configured to remote start.” 

Jade, based in Newcastle, informed her supervisor and would not allow work to proceed until the machine was safe to work on. 

In recognising Jade’s commendable actions, Hitachi said: “This is a terrific example of looking out for your mates and a demonstration of our values including the relentless pursuit of safety and having the courage for safety, which can be confronting, particularly for someone in training.” 

Jade said she was grateful to be hosted to Hitachi, where safety was “routine”. 

“It really is ‘safety: every job, every day’,” she said. 

“The thing with safety, if you follow the correct procedures like we do every day, it becomes part of the system. You end up just doing it naturally.”  

Jasmine, meanwhile, has been commended by her host company, CCEP, for completing High Voltage Operator Training. 

Her willingness to develop her skills has led to opportunities many electricians will never experience in their careers, CCEP Maintenance Manager Michael Lazic, in main picture with Jasmine and the ATC’s Matt Muller, said. 

“She has already had the opportunity to put this training into practice by carrying out the HV switching for the new Warmfill production plant in Moorabbin,” he said. 

“This is a task many electricians will never experience, making it an exceptional milestone for Jasmine to achieve during just her third year of her apprenticeship. 

“Beyond this, Jasmine continues to grow as a highly valued member of our team.

“Her ability to connect to PLCs and assist with fault finding has proven extremely useful in keeping operations running smoothly, and she consistently demonstrates a proactive and capable approach to her work. 

“We are very pleased with Jasmine’s progression and look forward to seeing her continue to develop her skills and contribute to the team’s success.” 

Jasmine, 20, said she was thrilled to have her high voltage ticket and relished the opportunity to extend herself professionally. 

“I was a bit freaked out, but with high voltage, there are so many safeguards in place, and you’re protected head to toe with PPE,” she said. 

“You need to write down every step and have a person next to you ticking off everything you do.  

“I felt very safe.” 

Jasmine, who received a certificate from the ATC for her training achievement, said CCEP’s focus on safety was reassuring. 

“Before I even picked up a tool, they drilled safety into my head. I work in a high-risk factory as the machinery is quite heavy and there are forklifts moving around. 

“We complete a take five safety checklist with every job we do — every single time. 

“Safety is what makes you get home that day. No one wants to be hurt or end up in hospital.