Winners are grinners: Joni named student of the year

By Adair Winder

Jul 11, 2022

Work hard, dream big: Echuca's Joni Grundy, 19, has been named student of the year, proving that hard work goes a long way. Photo by Steve Huntley

In a field that is predominantly male-dominated, Joni Grundy has proven that hard work does pay off after being named student of the year.

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Not afraid of getting her hands dirty, Ms Grundy, 19, is currently studying a Certificate III in agricultural, mechanical, diesel technology at the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE in Swan Hill, while working at CLAAS Harvest Centre in Echuca.

Her role at CLAAS involves preparing agricultural machines for pre-delivery and undertaking repairs to machines that have been damaged.

Ms Grundy said she often changed her mind about what she wanted to do during school, but always knew she would end up doing something practical and hands-on.

“I grew up on a farm and my dad is a general mechanic. I always had an interest in the mechanical side of things,” she said.

“I handed my resume into a number of different local businesses and was thrilled when CLAAS decided to take me on as their apprentice.”

Nothing like a bit of elbow grease: Student of the year Joanie Grundy was shocked when she heard she had been nominated. Photo by Steve Huntley

Now two years into her four-year apprenticeship, Ms Grundy was shocked to learn she had been nominated as student of the year by her teachers at TAFE.

After undertaking an interview in front of a panel, she was required to attend the awards ceremony.

Ms Grundy said the ceremony was overwhelming because she had no inclination as to whether she was going to be awarded or not.

“I think it would have been pretty upsetting if I had gone to all that effort and attended the ceremony and then not have my name called out,” she said.

Not only are her loved ones proud of her achievements, but Ms Grundy is also proud of herself.

“I’ve proved to myself, more than anything else, that I can do this — I can be successful in this field,” she said.