Robert Donaldson, front, celebrates his nomination with Boral quarry manager Mick Player, Chisholm Institute of Tafe CEO Maria Peters and John McKay. 50944
YOU won’t find Robert Donaldson breaking a sweat for a top spot on MasterChef.
The Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Youth Enterprise nominee left his apprenticeship as a chef to work in quarries across Melbourne with Boral Construction Materials.
After a short time, the 21-year-old Pakenham resident was offered a mechanical engineering apprenticeship with the company.
His dedication, skill and drive for success landed him the nomination at the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce 2010 Premier Regional Business Awards business breakfast last week, where he shared the limelight with highly successful businesses from across the region.
And rightfully so.
The nomination can be added to his long list of achievements, which include receiving a number of certificates for driving trucks and excavation equipment including bob cats, back hoes and 60-tonne haul trucks.
He completed his first and second year studies in almost one year and will complete all of his studies in two and has also enrolled in night classes to earn a certificate in welding and fabrication.
Robert’s manager Mick Player said Rob was the first apprentice at Boral.
Robert said he was enjoying work at Boral and had no plans to go back to hospitality.
“I do some cooking at home now and again,” he said. “But I think I will stick to the quarries for now!”
