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MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Distribution
May 14, 2021
2021 Master Builders Victoria State Apprentice of the Year crowned at Marvel Stadium celebration.
Female apprentice named MBV’S State Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious awards.
A young, female apprentice has taken out the top honours at the 2021 Master Builders Victoria (MBV) State Apprentice of the Year Awards, announced last night at a gala celebration held at Marvel Stadium.
Carley Attard from Woori Yallock east of Melbourne was announced as the winner of the top award – the 2021 State Apprentice of the Year.
Also in the running for the award was Joshua McCall, winner of 2021 Regional Apprentice of the Year, and Jack Blokkeerus, who won 2021 Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year.
Carley, who was nominated by her employer Gregory Cole of Nuform Steel Fabrications in Bayswater, also won the 2021 MBV Employer Nominated Apprentice of the Year award.
The Award judges said they were impressed by Carley’s strong sense of initiative after she entered the industry by approaching various employers in her area in her search for an apprenticeship. Carley was also commended for her creativity and passion for the process of building, not just the result.
During the interview process, Carley expressed her nervousness about initially starting a trade. However, now a fully qualified Fabrication Engineer, Carley believes anyone in her position should just ‘give it a go.’
“I’ve pushed myself harder during this apprenticeship than anything else in my life.”
“I was scared, but now I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” Ms Attard said.
MBV CEO Rebecca Casson said the win was a fantastic achievement and proof that there is a place for women in the building and construction industry to develop successful and rewarding careers.
“We know that women – when given the opportunity – thrive in our industry, and we know their workplaces benefit too.”
“Carley’s win is a testament to her ability as a young woman to tread her own path and follow her dreams even when they weren’t presented to her as a first choice,” said Ms Casson.
“A career in the building and construction industry is for everyone, and I encourage anyone looking for work to consider it,” she said.
Carley was one of 12 apprentices to be presented with an award on the night, the other categories being:
- 2021 Apprentice of the Year - Bricklaying/Blocklaying
- 2021 Apprentice of the Year – Carpentry
- 2021 Apprentice of the Year- Joinery
- 2021 Apprentice of the Year – Stonemasonry
- 2021 Apprentice of the Year - Roof Tiling & Slating
- 2021 Apprentice of the Year - Wall & Ceiling Lining
- Master Builders Building Industry Foundation Award
- AIB Florence M Taylor Award
- Brian Fitzmaurice Award
- Employer Nominated Apprentice of the Year
- President's Award
- Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year
- Regional Apprentice of the Year
All nominees were interviewed by an expert panel on their work experience, knowledge, attitude, and industry representation.
To be selected as State Apprentice of the Year, judges choose the most outstanding apprentice from the Regional Apprentice of the Year, Employer Nominated Apprentice of the Year and Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year award categories.
Nominations for the 2022 Master Builders Victoria Regional and State Apprentice of the Year Awards will open in September 2021. Apprentices, Builders and Registered Training Organisations seeking more information about nominations are encouraged to contact the MBV Training team on (03) 9411 4555.
ENDS:
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW – MBV CEO Rebecca Casson
MEDIA CONTACT – Louise Willis 0466 777 059
