CY O'Connor Institute agricultural heavy machinery lecturer Sid Woodvine does not forget the students he has trained.
According to the Farm Machinery and Industry Association of WA, "he is able to recall and follow the career of most of his students".
This is just one of the reasons the association at its recent annual general meeting honoured Mr Woodvine with an achievement award.
Association president Alan Fisher presented the award which he said Mr Woodvine "richly deserves".
Mr Woodvine lectures in spare parts and has trained many parts interpreters employed in dealerships.
"He is an invaluable source of information and advice to people working within the sector," Mr Fisher said.
"His guidance and mentoring of personnel within our industry are widely accepted as Sid has a reputation built on excellence and industry best practice.
"Sid's passion for the agricultural sector, his contribution to ongoing training and development of personnel and his advocacy to retain skilled labour within the sector set him apart from his peers."
With more than 40 years' experience in the industry, Mr Woodvine is an ideal mentor for his students.
He trained as a heavy diesel fitter and his knowledge of spare parts is a major reason for his award.
Mr Woodvine is unique in the state as he lectures in bicycle mechanics.
One of his graduates worked in the BMC racing team at the this year's Giro d'Italia.
Mr Woodvined spent his entire life in Northam after his father came here as a chef at Muresk.
He is thrilled with his award which he said came "completely out of the blue".
His career has been varied, with stints at agricultural machinery dealerships and at one stage he was responsible for maintaining the railway turntable at Avon Yard. "But the last 10 years' lecturing at CY O'Connor has been rewarding," Mr Woodvine said.
"It's been a privilege to set the students on a career path and the staff here have been very supportive."
A delighted managing director of CY O'Connor Institute John Scott was at the presentation.
"The institute is on the right path when it is relevant to and in partnership with industry," he said.
"That a peak industry body should recognise a member of our lecturing staff with an unsolicited and prestigious award is sure proof we are achieving that goal."
