Local apprentice wins Building Masters Awards

04 June 2009

Local apprentice Mr Tom Justice won two prestigious awards at the Master Builders Association’s Victorian Apprentice Awards. The gala evening was attended by over 600 people at Melbourne Park Function Centre.

The two awards received by Mr Justice included:

-    the Gippsland Regional Apprentice of the Year Award and
-    the State Employer Nominated Apprentice of the Year Award.

A Building and Construction trainer from East Gippsland TAFE, Mr Trevor Ingram said “Tom was a standout student, these awards are reflection of his dedication and high level of commitment and outstanding work ethic, he was a student who obviously thrived on learning and enjoyed the challenge of building and carpentry.”

Mr Justice said “I was absolutely thrilled to receive these awards, “I’m so lucky to find a career I really enjoy and I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship both at work with Macalister Prestige Homes in Sale and the training I received with East Gippsland TAFE. The East Gippsland TAFE teaching team were great, they taught me a lot and were always very helpful.”

Mr Justice’s employer Mr Cal Board, Managing Director of Macalister Prestige Homes said “Tom’s success is testament to his commitment to our industry. His approach to completing the apprenticeship was a stepping stone to a career not just a job. His ability to have outstanding working relationships with people across our business and with our clients is greatly appreciated.”

Mr Board also went on to say “I’m proud to say at Macalister Prestige Homes we have fostered a very supportive environment for our apprentices and we fully support the apprenticeship scheme. I believe that Tom and other apprentices have great futures in our industry. Having young apprentices working with us also delivers the advantage of keeping our senior trades people keen – as it offers them the ability to have a positive influence and pass on valued skills, which with their TAFE training lifts apprentices skill levels a lot faster. A win for all parties.”

East Gippsland TAFE’s Acting CEO, Mr Peter Heilbuth said “It is a wonderful achievement for Tom, to receive not only a Regional award but also a Victorian award, I know our Building and Construction team were thrilled to hear this Tom’s outstanding results.

Mr Heilbuth also said “The Building & Construction industry has suffered ongoing skills shortages for some time. However with the Governments support through announcing the extension of its apprenticeship completion bonus with an additional $25 million, and the recent Federal Budget announcement to help apprentices with purchasing tools and protective gear – are both great initiatives that continue to support apprentices through their training and gain their qualifications.

We are very proud of our dedicated team of trainers who really care about their students welfare and training and support their students in achievements of our students.”

Master Builders Executive Director, Brian Welch, said that he was pleased that a large number of employers were maintaining their apprentices in an effort to avoid future skills shortages, despite the economic downturn.

“It is vital that our industry does not allow its pool of talent to be depleted as some builders go through tough times. The industry must have a skilled workforce in order to make the most of the good times when they return,” he said.

Now more than ever we need to support our apprentices and trainees as they are the backbone of small, medium and big business and industry across Australia.