Note: This article appears in the June 2017 edition of Bowens Builders Bulletin.

Among our staff, it is widely agreed that the Apprentice of the Year event ranks among our favourites. Yes, it’s a night to recognise the skill distributed so broadly across the young builders and tradespeople of Victoria, but it’s also a great time to witness genuine wide-eyed excitement among men and women at the dawn of their careers.

At about 9pm on Friday 12 May, in the aptly named Victory Room at Etihad Stadium, Alfredton carpentry apprentice Steven Butler enjoyed a double victory with honours from Master Builders Association of Victoria naming him State Apprentice of the Year and Regional Apprentice of the Year for 2017. Butler, 25, received his dual awards at a ceremony in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 925 guests and won nearly $5400 worth of tools, work wear and vouchers for his achievement.

Master Builders Association of Victoria President Melanie Fasham was present on the evening to recognise the achievements of this year’s apprentices.

“One of the best investments Victoria can make is in the training and skills of young people in the building and construction industry,” Ms Fasham said. “When we prepare them, we prepare Victoria for the generations ahead and the communities that will rely on them. Tonight’s group of award recipients reflect the continuing importance of apprenticeships as the critical and enduring pathway for skills in the Victorian building industry.”

Apprentices like Steven demonstrate the skills, work ethic and positive attitude required to be a successful tradesperson in the building and construction industry. It’s uplifting to see this pool of building talent among our Victorian apprentices every year. Ours is the fastest-growing state, and these are the builders who will serve our communities in the years to come. Each year I say that the challenge is selecting just one winner. Steven’s ambition is to become a registered builder, and he is keen to continue his learning to complete a further qualification toward this goal. He shows commitment and drive in his work and has a particular appreciation of older homes and the challenges they present.

Steven realises that being a good builder is about mastering both manual and communication skills, and he mentioned his sincere debt of gratitude to his boss for the opportunities afforded him. He will represent Victoria at the annual Excellence in Building and Construction Awards to be held at Princes Wharf, Hobart, on 25 November where the National Apprentice of the Year will be announced. And please, never hesitate to share your best apprentices with Master Builders. They are terrific representatives for the future of our industry.

Radley de Silva, CEO
Master Builders Association of Victoria