Gippsland Apprentices honoured for their achievements at 2025 Master Builders Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards
Three Gippsland apprentices have been honoured for the quality of their work at Master Builders Victoria’s Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards, held last night in Morwell.
Jacob Strickland from Inverloch was awarded the Gippsland Chairperson’s Award at a celebration on Thursday, February 13 at Kernot Hall in Morwell, attended by more than 200 guests.
Employed by Inverloch Builders, and nominated by the Murray Mallee Training Company, the judges in this year’s awards said Jacob who is a 3rd year carpentry apprenctice was a standout winner.
“Jacob was described as passionate and enthusiastic by his employer and takes great pride in his apprenticeship and building on his skills and knowledge,” noted the judges.
Fourth year carpentry apprentice Adam Janssen from Yarram took home the Gippsland Apprentice of the Year – Future Builder Award.
Nominated by his training provider, TAFE Gippsland and employed by Tony Janssen Builders, the judges noted that Adam is a fourth-generation tradie who’s been onsite and attending client meetings from a very young age.
“After working with his Dad during school holidays, Adam decided to take on an apprenticeship and now he’s excited to continue learning, become a registered builder and one day take over the family business.”
The final award of the night, the Gippsland Apprentice of the Year – Junior Apprentice Award – was awarded to Tate Chisholm, a 4th year cabinet making apprentice from Yarram.
Tate is employed by Wayne Coulthard Master Builder and was nominated for the award by TAFE Gippsland.
The judges noted that Tate found his passion for capentry after trying his hand at a range of trades during work experience.
“Tate is eager to get involved with high end, luxury projects to continue refining his skills and hopes to become a registered builder and then one day take on an apprentice of his own,” they said.
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.
Master Builders Victoria CEO, Michaela Lihou congratulated Jacob, Adam and Tate on their awards, noting the strength of this year’s nominations.
“It’s always so rewarding to see the talent and the passion being developed by these outstanding apprentices as they build impressive careers in the building and construction industry,” she said.
The Gippsland winners will go on to the overall Victorian State Apprentice of the Year Awards being held at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
