Apprentice Of The Year

AWendouree glazer took out top honours at the 2023 Master Builders Victoria (MBV) State Apprentice of the Year Awards presented last month.

Newly installed MBV President Geoff Purcell presented the major title to 23-year-old Isaac Stolk, who had been awarded the Ballarat Apprentice of the Year Craftsperson Award in the earlier regional awards, and also took out the overall State Award in the same category.

Isaac received his award in front of more than 600 people at a gala celebration at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

Nominated by his training provider, GOTAFE and employed by Robson Glass in Ballarat, Isaac was described as a passionate worker, committed to his craft in glass and glazing with a sharp eye for detail.

Geoff Purcell said he was thrilled and heartened to see the quality and the passion of the next generation of the industry coming through, across such a broad variety of trades and skills.

“Isaac is a stand out winner for State

Apprentice of The Year against a stellar field of contenders,” said Mr Purcell.

“And despite the challenges that building and construction has faced recently right across Australia, you cannot help but feel optimistic when you see these really committed apprentices of all ages, who can see their future in our industry,” he said. “I applaud them all!”

With approximately 170 nominated by their training providers or employers, Isaac was one of 17 to receive an award on the night to be- With over 500 apprentices in Victoria nominated by their training providers or employers, Isaac was one of 17 to receive an award on the night.

All nominees were interviewed by an expert panel and judged on the following criteria:

• Interview prepararion

• Passion for work and achievements

• Career plans

• Attitude towards and knowledge about the job

• Individual qualities, and

• Industry representation

The highest honour of the overall State Apprentice of the Year, was chosen by the judges from the final field of six Apprentice of the Year winners which were announced at the gala event. The Apprentice of the Year winners were selected from Regional Apprentice of the Year winners announced at a series of regional events in March, and also the Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year winners.

MBV CEO Michaela Lihou paid tribute to the employers, training providers and families who supported the apprentices on their career journey.

“Without their combined ongoing encouragement and support, wisdom and patience, we wouldn’t be seeing the great achievements we’re witnessing in these apprentice awards,” she said.

A full list of the winners in the 2023 Master Builders State Apprentice of The Year Awards can be found on www.mbav.com.au

Nominations for the 2024 awards open in September 2023.

Metropolitan presented by Master Builders Victoria Foundation