Simon Schuh reaches finals of TAFE SA awards
29 January 2024
LIBERTY Primary Steel’s Simon Schuh has been recognised for more than four decades of dedication to his community and career at the Whyalla Steelworks.
Simon was selected as a finalist in the TAFE SA 2023 Honour Awards in the Regional Impact category. Reaching the top three of his category in the awards, for former and ongoing TAFE students, Simon just missed out on the top gong but was rapt to be a finalist in the honours that attracted, in total, more than 250 submissions.
“I feel lucky to have been recognised for my work in the Whyalla community, the steelworks, the SES and archery,” Simon said.
“The competition was stiff and there were some very worthy finalists over all the categories.”
Now a Mechanical Project Coordinator, Simon has had an amazing career of more than 42 years at the Whyalla steelworks. He shares his passion for work and community with his wife Michelle who has worked at the steelworks for 38 years, now with the IT Department, making them the longest serving married couple at the Whyalla operation.
I feel lucky to have been recognised for my work in the Whyalla community, the steelworks, the SES and archery
Simon Schuh
Simon’s journey with TAFE SA and the steelworks began as an apprentice fitter and turner in 1982 with his thirst for knowledge and career development continuing with TAFE SA studies throughout his career, upskilling as technology changed.
In the community and through TAFE SA training, Simon became a qualified trainer assessor to mentor SES volunteers and improve the skills of the local unit. He is now the Unit Manager of the Whyalla State Emergency Service after 15-years service in emergency response where he trained in Incident Management as an operations officer and was part of the Kangaroo Island fire response and the River Murray flooding event.
Further contributing to his community, Simon is an accredited coach and competitor with the Whyalla Archery Club.
“I’m a great believer in lifelong learning and I’m very grateful to the Whyalla TAFE SA campus for giving him so many opportunities to improve myself and continue contributing to my community,” Simon said.
In its third year, the TAFE SA Honour Awards program is a prestigious celebration of its outstanding alumni across career levels and industries. From the space sector to the arts, community advocacy to horticulture, artisan cheesemaking to building and construction, it recognised those making a significant difference to local, national, and international communities.
Finalists were recognised at a prestigious award ceremony at Adelaide Town Hall hosted by The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Adelaide Dr. Jane Lomax-Smith AM. The Minister for Education, Training, and Skills the Honourable Blair Boyer provided the keynote address.
Artisan cheesemaker and successful business owner, Kym Masters was the Regional Impact Award winner.
MAIN PICTURE: Simon Schuh receives his certificate from Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith at the TAFE SA Awards night.
