North East Apprentices honoured for their achievements at 2025 Master Builders Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards
Three apprentices from North East Victoria have been honoured for the quality of their work at Master Builders Victoria’s Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards, held last night in Wangaratta.
Benjamin Wandin from Mooroopna was awarded the North East Chairperson’s Award at a celebration on Tuesday, February 18 at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, attended by more than 250 guests.
Employed by Creative Wooden Ideas and nominated by the Murray Mallee Training Company, the judges in this year’s awards said Benjamin who is a 4th year cabinet making apprentice was a standout winner.
“Benjamin loves asking questions and expanding his capabilities and prides himself on completing each year of his apprenticeship knowing that he has grown in his skills,” noted the judges.
Fourth year cabinet making apprentice James Yosiffifis from Kotta took home the North East Apprentice of the Year Developing Leader Award.
Nominated by his training provider, GOTAFE and employed by Portwine Joinery, the judges noted that James was a strong nominee who has always demonstrated consistency, dedication and leadership.
“James has a keen eye for detail and a hands-on approach which inspired him to pursue a career as a builder. As he makes his way through his apprenticeship, James is proud to lead younger apprentices and hopes to continue passing on his knowledge.”
The final award of the night, the North East Apprentice of the Year Craftsperson Award was awarded to Jaren Ahmet, a 3rd year wall and floor tiling apprentice from Arcadia.
Jaren is employed by Halls Creative Tiling & Stonemasonry and was nominated for the award by the Murray Mallee Training Company.
The judges noted that Jaren’s passion for his trade and unique skill set was immediately evident.
“Jaren came to wall and floor tiling after trialing several different career pathways. With an eye for detail, Jaren enjoys the variety of his work and problem solving to overcome obstacles with his co-workers,” 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 Benjamin, James and Jaren on their awards, noting the strength of this year’s nominations.
“There’s no doubt we have some great apprentice tradespeople making their way into the building and construction industry. There are so many opportunities and jobs in our industry, it would be great to see even more people take up apprenticeships and share the passion that these winners clearly have for their roles,” she said.
The North East 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.
