Three Gippsland apprentices have been honoured for the quality of their work at Master Builders Victoria’s Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards, held last night in Moe.

John Saxton from Wy Yung was awarded the Gippsland Chairperson’s Award at a celebration on Thursday, February 15 at the Moe Racing Club.

Employed by Key Homes, and nominated by TAFE Gippsland, the judges in this year’s awards said John who is a 3rd year carpentry apprentice had shown great tenacity in returning to a new trade of carpentry, after previously taking a break from bricklaying earlier in his life and starting a family.

“John’s perseverance and commitment to completing his apprenticeship with newborns at home was highly respected and commended,” said this year’s judges.

Fourth year carpentry apprentice Dale Harris from Warragul took home the Gippsland Apprentice of the Year - Future Builder Award.

Nominated by his training provider, TAFE Gippsland and employed by Len Pyle, the judges noted that Dale enjoyed making his client’s dream homes come to fruition, and above all else loved seeing their reactions.

Looking forward, Dale says he’s excited to one day become a registered builder and to take on and teach apprentices himself.

The final award of the night, the Gippsland Apprentice of the Year – Finishing Trades Award – was awarded to Samuel Graziotin, a 3rd year cabinet making apprentice from Mountain View.

Samuel is employed by Allure Kitchens & Joinery and was nominated for the award by the Murray Mallee Training Company.

The judges noted that Samuel’s passion and attention to detail was very evident and they applauded his  eagerness to learn and problem solve.

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 John, Dale and Samuel on their awards, noting the strength of this year’s nominations.

“It’s always so rewarding to see the talent and the passion being developed by these remarkable apprentices who continue to build impressive careers for themselves in the building and construction industry,” she said.

The Gippsland winners will go on to the overall Victorian State Apprentice of the Year Awards  being held at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Thursday, May 9, 2024.