By Yasemin Talat
At only 22 years-old Nick Furnari is already achieving big things.
The Hoppers Crossing apprentice panel beater was a finalist in the Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year competition.
Nick was nominated for his outstanding work at his family owned Showroom Finish Smash Repairs in Hoppers Crossing and for his charity and volunteer work.
He was shortlisted for his exceptional skills in the industry, judged by an expert panel.
Although he did not win, Nick’s work within the community and for charity was his biggest reward.
He has been organising an annual car and bike show for charity for the last three years helping raise just over $60,000 to date for the Cancer Council.
This year alone the Show ‘n Shine Cancer Council Fundraiser one day event, organised by Nick and his family raised $34,000 in funds for charity.
“Three years ago my mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer, we all went though it as a family and we wanted to get together and find a way to raise money and give back,” he said.
The selfless youngster was all about giving back to the community.
“It does take a long time to organise but it’s worth it in the end,” he said.
Nick said it was a good feeling to be acknowledged by others in the industry.
Ever since he was a kid, nick would accompany his father to the workshop and watch him in admiration hoping one day to follow in his father’s footsteps, which he has.
Now Nick hopes to one day take over the family business “and also give other young people the opportunity to get in the trade if they want”.
The annual prestigious Snap-on Tools Apprentice of the Year has been running for five years and is a nation-wide competition which aims to find Australia’s best apprentices across heavy vehicle, marine, aviation and automotive trades.
