Three North East apprentices have been honoured for their achievements at the 2022 Master Builders Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards.

There were three major awards given out on the night.

Thomas Favaro was awarded the North East Apprentice of the Year Finishing Trades Award.

At the same time, Emma Hodgkinson received the North East Apprentice of the Year Developing Leader Award.

Meanwhile, the North East Chairperson’s Award was awarded to Clay Cambridge-Dillon.

Last night’s (Thursday, March 10) event at the Oaks Wangaratta celebrated the North East region’s building and construction apprentices and the achievements they have made over their careers and the 2021 academic year.

More than 70 guests attended the COVIDSafe event.

Nominated by Murray Mallee Training Company and employed by Halls Creative Tiling, the judges said Thomas got a taste for his trade through beginning work experience with his employer, Halls Creative Tiling, which led to his apprenticeship.

“With an eye for detail, Thomas enjoys the variation and patterning that tiling has to offer,” the judges said.

During his apprenticeship, the judges' said Thomas was posed with some physical challenges.

“Although a trialing time, Thomas was able to overcome these difficulties and continued to flourish in his apprenticeship," they said.

Thomas’ hope for the future is to continue learning the business aspects of his trade and start his own company later down the track.

Meanwhile, Emma was nominated by A & J Brain and training provider Murray Mallee Training Company.

The judges’ said Emma had been described as a dedicated and eager apprentice who works to the best of her ability.

“Emma loves the challenging and ongoing learning that carpentry has to offer,” they said.

“Her favourite part of her job is to see the delight in her clients when completing their job.

Looking to the future, Emma hopes to continue learning and building on her skills.

“Her goal is to develop her leadership abilities to one day steer the coming projects for her employer,” the judges said”.

“Emma is determined to advance her career and build on her current capabilities.”

Finally, Clay was nominated by Murray Mallee Training Company and is employed by Cottrell Constructions.

Clay’s passion and love towards his trade were evident to this years’ judges.

“He loves how carpentry allows him to use his creative skills, which suits him perfectly,” the judges said.

“Having a flair for custom builds, Clay describes his favourite aspect of his work as being able to have a broad knowledge of all trades”.

“Under the guidance of his employer, Cottrell Constructions, Clay has been able to develop his abilities over the time of his apprenticeship”.

“Clay strives to impart his skills onto others around him while creating a positive work environment”.

“Clay is a great example to other apprentices and is proud of his development over his apprentice journey.”

Master Builders Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson congratulated Thomas, Emma, and Clay on their award win.

“Apprentices learning on the job can apply their new-found knowledge quickly while they learn their trade,” she said.

“MBV is keen to achieve a greater representation of women in building and construction by fostering gender equity in the male-dominated industry, so it is particularly pleasing to see that Emma took out one of the three major awards.”

Apprentices were nominated by their TAFEs and RTOs, and those who were nominated as best overall attended an interview with a panel of judges.

The apprentices interviewed were judged on the following criteria:

• Preparation and presentation.
• Work experience.
• Knowledge and career plans.
• Attitude on and about the job.
• Industry representation.

Others nominated received a Certificate of Merit, and in Ballarat, these will be presented for the following trades:

• Bricklaying/Blocklaying.
• Cabinet making.
• Carpentry.
• Joinery.
• Wall and floor tiling.