Alfredton carpentry apprentice Steven Butler enjoyed a double victory tonight 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 at Etihad Stadium in Docklands. He 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.”

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

“Steven told us he always wanted a hands-on career, and once he pursued carpentry he never looked back,” he said.

“It’s edifying 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. The challenge, as always, is selecting just one winner,” Mr de Silva said.

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.

“Steven shows commitment and drive in his work, and he has a particular appreciation of older homes and the challenges they present,” Mr de Silva said.

“He realises that being a good builder is about mastering both manual and communication skills, and he feels a sincere debt of gratitude to his boss for the opportunities afforded him” he said.

Steven 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.

Other winners are:

Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year
Ben Clackson, Balwyn, employed by Align Concepts, attends Skill Training Victoria.

Regional Apprentice of the Year
Steven Butler, Alfredton, employed by Bomitali Constructions, attends Skill Training Victoria.

Employer Nominated Award Winner
Michael Miller, Alexandra, employed by Hedger Constructions Pty Ltd, attends Murray Mallee Training Company.

Student of the Year
John Davison, Ballarat East, attends Federation University Australia.

Florence M Taylor Award Winner
Emma Versteegen, Rye, employed by PM Versteegen and Sons Pty Ltd, attends Murray Mallee Training Company.

Presidents’ Award Winner
Jack Hancocks, Warrnambool, employed by DK Armistead Constructions, attends South West Institute of TAFE.

Bricklaying and Blocklaying Apprentice of the Year
Ryan Strugnell, Chirnside Park, employed by Damien Attard Bricklaying, attends Skill Training Victoria.

Solid Plastering Apprentice of the Year
Kyle Jeffreys, Rosebud, employed by Roark Solid Plastering, attends Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries.

Carpentry Apprentice of the Year
Ben Clackson, Balwyn, employed by Alighn Concepts, attends Skill Training Victoria.

Joinery Apprentice of the Year
Dylan Bennett, Ferntree Gully, employed by Signature Stairs, attends Chisholm Institute.

Wall and Ceiling Lining Apprentice of the Year
Tyrone Foord, Somerville, employed by Troy Merks Plastering, attends Skill Training Victoria.

Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year
Sang Hlun Par, Sunshine, employed by Powch Painting Services Services Pty Ltd, attends Skill Training Victoria.

Roof Tiling and Slating Apprentice of the Year
Ayden Horyna, Cranbourne West, employed by Roofingeasy Pty Ltd, attends Murray Mallee Training Company.