Three North-East Victorian apprentices have been honoured for the quality of their work at Master Builders Victoria’s Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards. 

Tyler Cox from Numurkah was awarded the North-East Chairperson’s Award at a celebration last night (Wednesday, March 15) at Oaks Wangaratta, which was attended by more than 140 guests. 

Nominated by his training provider, Murray Mallee Training Company and employed by Rikys & Mayland, Tyler’s passion for his trade was evident to this years’ judges.  

The judges commented that Tyler obviously loves his trade and prides himself on completing jobs to a standard that he would want in his own home.  

“With help from his trainer at Murray Mallee Training Company, Tyler is also building on his confidence and leadership skills, with his eyes on growing into a supervisor’s role,” they said. 

Looking further ahead, Tyler’s goal is to establish his own business and then have the chance to pass on his industry knowledge to the next generation of builders. 

Apprentices nominated for the awards were judged on their preparation and presentation, work experience, knowledge and career plans, attitude on and about the job, and industry representation, by a panel of industry judges. 

Hamish McInnes from Osbournes Flat took home the North-East Apprentice of the Year - Future Builder Award.  

Nominated by his training provider, Murray Mallee Training Company and employed by Yack Constructions, Hamish fell in love with carpentry after completing a VET pre-apprenticeship in high school.  

“Hamish loves the variety that working in carpentry offers,” noted the judges “And he’s determined to continue learning and building on his skills to become a registered builder and one day, run his own company.” 

The final award of the night, the North-East Apprentice of the Year – Finishing Trades Award – was won by Joshua Brereton from Milawa. Joshus is employed by Reflex Glass/JT Joinery and he was nominated for the award by his training provider, GOTAFE. 

The judges noted that Joshua’s passion for joinery and his unique skill set was immediately obviousto them. 

“Joshua moved into in a joinery apprenticeship after commencing a university degree in Construction Management, but then realising he wanted to be working in a field that was more hands on,” they said. 

Determined to continue to hone his skills and venture further into furniture making, Joshua loves the craftsmanship, creative skills and attention to detail that he can put into his work and the satisfying results he achieves. 

MBV CEO (Interim) Michaela Lihou congratulated Tyler, Hamish and Joshua on their awards, noting the strength of this year’s nominations. 

“It’s a great accolade for the building and construction industry that we continue to see such talented apprentices building their futures with us,” she said.  

Others North-East apprentices nominated for the awards received a Certificate of Merit in the following trades: 

  • Cabinet Making 
  • Carpentry 
  • Glass and Glazing 
  • Joinery 
  • Painting and Decorating 
  • Wall and Ceiling Lining 
  • Wall and Floor Tiling 

The North-East regional winners will go on to the overall Victorian State Apprentice of the Year Awards being held at Marvel Stadium on Thursday May 11, 2023.