Inaugural Rising Star Award winner Morgan Sherman pictured with Matthew Worang from Alspec. Photo: TAFE NSW.
Growing up on jobsites alongside her glazing pro father, Wollongong apprentice Morgan Sherman never imagined she would one day take centre stage in the industry — but that’s exactly what happened when she was named the first-ever Rising Star at the NSW Window Association Design and Industry Awards.
A second-year apprentice and Certificate III in Glass and Glazing student at TAFE NSW, Morgan took out the inaugural Rising Star Award in Sydney this month, recognising her as one of the glazing industry’s most promising young talents.
Her passion for working in the traditionally male-dominated industry was inspired by her father, a glazier with nearly 30 years’ experience in the trade.
“I probably wouldn’t have known about it if it wasn’t for my family,” Morgan said.
“I grew up around it and worked for Dad on and off. He was also a qualified chippy, so he taught me some great tips.”
Now working at Kiama Glass, Morgan is thriving in a trade she describes as diverse, hands-on, and constantly evolving.
“I enjoy the variety of the job – there’s always something different to work on,” she said.
“Glass technology is always changing, and a lot of the regulations have changed too, especially around safety.
“Being a glazier also keeps me fit, and there’s plenty of industry demand for people with these qualifications.”
She said she found it interesting the way glass was cut, polished, and installed, adding that she had learnt everything at TAFE NSW, from making window frames to working with glass balustrades and glass fencing.
“Installing shower screens is one of my strengths. There’s a lot of attention to detail needed to install them properly,” she said.
Morgan attends TAFE NSW Lidcombe on block release, spending one week every six weeks in hands-on training.
Her Rising Star Award nomination and eventual win came as a surprise.
“I got an email saying I was nominated, then, at the event, when I was called to the stage it was a bit of a shock,” she said.
“I like to think I worked really hard, so this award makes me feel like my efforts have paid off.”
TAFE NSW head teacher glass and glazing Mark Nicholls said being part of industry competitions “push our students beyond the classroom”.
“Importantly, these events showcase the next generation of glaziers and help connect the students with industry contacts,” Mark said.
“It’s a chance for these apprentices to test their skills against the best in Australia, and it often leads to incredible career opportunities.
“One past winner received four job offers at the national conference.”
TAFE NSW graduate Michael Barnes from Mudgee was awarded Apprentice of the Year and will head to Queensland in September to represent NSW at the national competition.
TAFE NSW students have won two National Apprentice of the Year awards in the past three years.
