By Casey Neill
Youth Enterprise Award
Sponsor: Chisholm Institute
Winner: Caitlin Whitney
Nominees: Nicole Caccamo, Jason Edtmaier, Nathan Taylor.
Caitlin Whitney is overcoming obstacles and impressing her colleagues in the auto repair industry.
The 20-year-old accepted the Youth Enterprise Award at the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Business Awards presentation night at Atura Hotel on Wednesday 22 November.
“Thanks to my boss and my teacher, Ron,” she said.
“I couldn’t be there today without them, so thank-you.”
Chisholm Institute CEO Maria Peters presented the award.
“It is a celebration of youth,” she said.
“What Chisholm exists to do is help young people find their calling.”
Caitlin started her studies in July last year and is working on a certificate three in light vehicle mechanical technology.
The Langwarrin resident works at P and D Automotive Dandenong.
Chisholm Institute automotive instructor Ron Locandro said Caitlin revealed to him that she had visual dyslexia, but he said it hadn’t held her back.
“She is showing real good leadership,” he said.
Mr Locandro said it was even more impressive to see in a male-dominated industry.
Caitlin plans to finish her apprenticeship and become qualified, then return to study so she can work in the mines.
She’s worked on vehicles since she was a young girl, has helped her dad with repairs and built go-carts.
“I’m only good at this type of work and very interested in doing more of this type of work,” she said.
Caitlin’s goal is to have her own business.
