2016 Apprentice of the Year: Greg Hogan

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2016 Winners Ashley Hall and Greg Hogan

Originally from Maryborough Victoria, Greg moved to Geelong in 2013 looking for work in the furniture industry.  Having previously taken design and technology classes, and starting a furniture design course at university he realised he had a passion for fine timber work and hand crafted upholstery.   In 2013, Greg secured a position through Gforce with a host employer Banksia Lounges, as an apprentice upholsterer.  With the guidance of his host employer, Dominic Podbury, Greg learned all the necessary skills required to assist with his development in the upholstery industry – every stage involving the construction of a new lounge to sewing with fresh textured fabrics.  Greg realised his passion for furniture making, developing a keen eye for detail, showing craftsmanship and quality workmanship.

Awarded Holmesglen TAFE’s 2nd year Upholsterer of the year for Victoria and is now going into his 3rd year of the course, he continues to lead the sewing team at Banksia lounges. Since late 2015 he has taught new and current staff how to sew to a high standard, many of which had minimal experience on a sewing machine. ‘The toughest challenge was communicating how our sofa designs piece together and create the finished product when the components are turned the right way out.  As my final year as an apprentice progresses I’m excited to develop new skills and techniques that will help me through my career as an upholsterer as I continue to work in Geelong alongside Dominic and the team at Banksia Lounges.’

Outside of Work he is involved in the cycling community, Greg trains and competes at an elite level racing in Australia and around the world, he is a mentor to  junior cyclists in developing necessary bike handling skills, health and wellbeing tips and mind sets to assist them in their sporting endeavours and life in general.