Construction apprentices shine at Master Builders awards

Three Geelong apprentices have been honoured for their achievements at the 2022 Master Builders Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards.

Jack Purcell was awarded the Geelong Apprentice of the Year Future Builder Award, Brock Smith received the Geelong Apprentice of the Year Craftsperson Award, and the Geelong Chairperson’s Award was awarded to Emily Button.

The event, held at GMHBA Stadium, celebrated the Geelong region’s building and construction apprentices and their achievements over their careers and the 2021 academic year.

More than 200 guests attended the event, including MBV president Mark Little and Geelong Section chairperson Anthony Lococo.

Nominated by Victoria University Polytechnic and employed by M.J. Rodgers Building, Jack got a taste for his trade early through working with his father.

Having a curiosity for building homes, Jack decided to begin his apprenticeship and has never looked back.

The judges were impressed by Jack’s forward-thinking, with goals to one day become a registered builder and take on a business of his own.

“Jack is determined to reach his ambitions for the future and is ready to put in the hard work,” they said.

“Jack is interested in broadening his knowledge and learning more about the business side of his trade.

“Jack is extremely driven in his apprenticeship and is excited for what the future holds.”

Nominated by his training provider, The Gordon, Brock has been described as an advanced and clever student who quickly grasps technical projects.

Brock commenced his apprenticeship after deciding to try something new in his career.

Following this decision, the judges’ said Brock had loved every minute of his joinery apprenticeship.

“With an eye for detail, Brock enjoys the variation and creativity joinery offers. He loves having to adapt to different worksite requirements and use his problem-solving skills during these times,” they said.

“Brock’s hope for the future is to continue to learn the business aspect of his trade and explore starting his own company later down the track.”

Nominated by Victoria University Polytechnic, Emily decided to give her apprenticeship a go following high school and has loved it ever since.

While working with her employer, PB Builds Pty Ltd, the judges said Emily gets the privilege to build specialty homes for individuals in need.

“Finding great reward in her job, Emily loves to see individuals use their homes which she has assisted in building,” they said.

“Having a portfolio including ramps and aided bathrooms, Emily has truly found joy in each of her projects.

“Emily is proud of her development over her apprentice journey, hoping to continue progressing her career.”

Master Builders Victoria chief executive officer Rebecca Casson congratulated Jack, Brock and Emily on their award win.

“Congratulations to Jack and Brock for their wins and Emily on her special Chairperson’s Award,” she said.

“Master Builders Victoria is committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace and building and construction sites.

“We are making good progress, but we need to encourage more women like Emily to become fully qualified master trades”

Apprentices were nominated by their TAFEs and RTOs, and those who were nominated as best overall attended an interview with a panel of judges.

The apprentices interviewed were judged on the following criteria:
Preparation and presentation
Work experience
Knowledge and career plans
Attitude on and about the job, and
Industry representation.