Winning the Territory’s top apprentice award was an 'incredible' experience for Mary Coulter.

She was named Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year at the 2022 Northern Territory (NT) Training Awards.

“I was absolutely stunned and so honoured to accept it.

“The award has encouraged me to believe in myself a bit more, which has made me feel more confident in the work I do.”

Mary, who has a Certificate III in Electrotechnology and Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control, is employed at the South32 manganese mine on Groote Eylandt through GTNT.

She says her workmates are 'beyond proud' of her.

Mary encourages other apprentices to enter this year’s NT Training Awards.

“I believe it has the power to not only inspire others around you but also puts a lot of trust and belief in yourself.

“I know as an apprentice there are moments that you doubt yourself, so to even be recognised as a finalist is really empowering.”

Mary is a strong advocate for women working in the electrical industry.

She was invited to speak to a class of Indigenous youth at the Michael Long Centre when she stressed the importance of having a 'willingness to have a go'.

And she also spoke to Prelude to the Future first-year apprentices where she highlighted the specialist avenues available.

“As a female in a male-dominated field I am proud to be a dual-qualified person,” she said. “I’m also proud that my achievements have been recognised.”

The NT Training Awards are the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s annual premier event recognising training excellence and achievements.

Awards are open to businesses, training organisations, apprentices, trainees, trainers and students.

Nominations are open and close on 19 May 2023, for more details go to Department of Industry Tourism and Trade website.