Nathan Blair, a carpentry apprentice from Romsey, enjoyed a double victory on Friday night with honours from Master Builders Victoria naming him both State Apprentice of the Year and Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year for 2018. Blair received his dual awards at a ceremony in front of an audience crowd of more than 850 guests at Etihad Stadium in Docklands. He won nearly $4000 worth of tools, work wear and vouchers for his achievement.

Treasurer of Victoria Tim Pallas was present on the evening to recognise the achievements of this year’s apprentices.

“With a growing population and an economy that is the engine-room of that nation, we need skilled tradespeople like the ones we honour tonight to help us rollout the biggest infrastructure pipeline in our state’s history,” Minister Pallas said.

“One of the most important investments Victoria can make is in the training and skills of young people in the building and construction industry,” Melanie Fasham, President, Master Builders Victoria said.

“For young men and women, there has never been a better time to pursue a building career. A great trades education is second-to-none,” she said.

Master Builders CEO Radley de Silva said Nathan exemplified the skills, work ethic and positive attitude required to be a successful tradesperson in the building and construction industry.

“Nathan and his colleagues, male and female, are poised to have a huge influence on the economy, with work for them appearing abundant for years to come,” Mr de Silva said. “Demand for their skills is such that we will need to deliver over 54,400 new homes each year for the next decade.”

“Nathan shows commitment and drive in his work, which will hold him in good stead for a busy and productive career,” Mr de Silva said.

Nathan will represent Victoria at the annual National Excellence Building and Construction Awards to be held on 24 November in Adelaide where the National Apprentice of the Year will be announced.

The winners are:
State Apprentice of the Year
Nathan Blair, employed by Mt Gisborne Homes, attends Skill Training Victoria

Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year
Nathan Blair, employed by Mt Gisborne Homes, attends Skill Training Victoria

Regional Apprentice of the Year
Joseph Brakels, employed by Gibney Building, attends Murray Mallee Training Company

Florence M Taylor Award
Billy Syme, employed by Mac Development and Construction, attends Box Hill Institute

Presidents’ Award
Sam Spedding, employed by Wickham Homes, attends Skill Training Victoria

Apprentice of the Year – Bricklaying/Blocklaying
Harley Pocza, employed by Ryan Developments, attends Skill Training Victoria

Apprentice of the Year – Carpentry
Nathan Blair, employed by Mt Gisborne Homes, attends Skill Training Victoria

Apprentice of the Year – Joinery
Ebony Griffin, employed by Elite Windows & Doors, attends Chisholm

Apprentice of the Year – Painting & Decorating
Courtney Keong, employed by Moma Quality Painting Pty Ltd, attends Skill Training Victoria

Apprentice of the Year – Roof Tiling & Slating
Joshua Goodman, Employed by Roofing Perfection Pty Ltd, attends Murray Mallee Training Company

Apprentice of the Year – Wall & Ceiling Lining
Victor Minaya, employed by Picasso Plaster, attends Skill Training Victoria

Apprentice of the Year – Wall & Floor Tiling
David Van Keeken, employed by Dean Alexiou Pty Ltd, attends Holmesglen Institute