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Jackson Harry, a carpentry apprentice from Waratah Bay, enjoyed a double victory on Thursday with honours from Master Builders Victoria naming him both State Apprentice of the Year and Employer-Nominated Apprentice of the Year for 2019. Harry received his dual awards at a ceremony in front of an audience of more than 650 guests at Marvel Stadium in Docklands. He won nearly $8000 worth of tools, work wear, a trailer and vouchers for his achievement.
Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson was present on the evening to recognise the achievements of this year’s apprentices, and Master Builders Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson spoke about the importance of apprentices to the Victorian economy.
“One of the most important investments Victoria can make is in the training and skills of young people in the building and construction industry,” Ms Casson said.
“As Victoria continues to grow faster than any other state or territory in the nation, it will rely on apprentices increasingly to deliver the housing and infrastructure it needs.
“I’m very excited to see the cross-section of young men and women who are taking on the mantle of such a noble profession,” she said. “I hope to see the group of high-achievers become ever more diverse.”
Ms Casson said Jackson exemplified the skills, work ethic and positive attitude required to be a successful tradesperson in the building and construction industry.
“Jackson and his colleagues are poised to have a huge influence on the economy, with work for them appearing abundant for years to come,” Ms Casson said. “Demand for their skills is such that we will need to deliver over 54,400 new homes each year for the next decade.”
Jackson will represent Victoria at the annual National Excellence Building and Construction Awards to be held in November in the Field of Lights, Uluru Centre, where the National Apprentice of the Year will be announced.
The winners are:
State Apprentice of the Year
Jackson Harry, employed by SJ Vuillermin Master Builders P/L, attends Federation Training
Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year
Joshua Vitacca, employed by Maxabuild Pty Ltd, attends Skill Training Victoria
Regional Apprentice of the Year
Mitchell McIntosh, employed by Geelong Constructions Pty Ltd, attends Skill Training Victoria
Florence M Taylor Award
Matthew Ryan, employed by Vaughan Constructions, attends Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
Brian Fitzmaurice Award
Furlan Constructions
Presidents’ Award
Samuel Maitland, employed by Superior Construction Absm, attends Skill Training Victoria
Apprentice of the Year - Bricklaying/Blocklaying
Jayson McCarthy, employed by Gerard Vergunst P/L, attends Skill Training Victoria
Apprentice of the Year - Carpentry
Joshua Vitacca, employed by Maxabuild Pty Ltd, attends Skill Training Victoria
Apprentice of the Year - Joinery
Taylah-Ann Kane, employed by Eric Jones Stairbuilding Group Pty Ltd, attends Chisholm Institute
Apprentice of the Year - Wall & Ceiling Lining
Pierce Carroll, employed by Total Plaster Services, attends Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
Apprentice of the Year - Wall & Floor Tiling
Casey Shannon, employed by Bravada Waterproofing, attends Holmesglen Institute
Student of the Year - Diploma of Building and Construction
Jack Chafer, employed by Coastal Joinery & Staircases, attends The Gordon TAFE
Apprentice of the Year - Employer Nominated
Jackson Harry, employed by SJ Vuillermin Master Builders P/L, attends Federation Training
