Meet the 2022 Apprentice of the Year

In February this year, Mitchell Gatenby from Manteena Residential was awarded the title of 2022 Apprentice of the Year, presented by the Training Fund Authority. The MBA Carpentry Training team commended Mitchell’s, ‘unwavering dedication to becoming a great Carpenter.’

The Trainers also noted, ‘Mitchell’s passion is apparent in his natural curiosity about all facets of carpentry and his willingness to find further information beyond the initial scope of work to achieve the best possible outcome every time he undertakes a project. He has impressed all the trainers here at MBA with his knowledge and understanding of carpentry, building and construction.’

We chatted with Mitchell to find out more about MBA Group Training’s 2022 Apprentice of the Year.

Q. HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WON 2022 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR?

MG: I felt very honoured and grateful: You dont go into an apprenticeship hoping to win Apprentice of the Year, so its great to know that the effort put in over the last few years, by myself and all the other finalists, was noticed. All the nominees are very deserving, especially Frazer Burns, who I work with at Manteena.

Q. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?

MG: I wanted to learn new skills and understand the building and construction industry. I’ve always enjoyed making and creating things and being busy in general. I also like the physicality of the job and getting to work outdoors.

I prefer the finer detailed work of carpentry, crafting feature pieces, and the unique things most tradespeople don’t get to do very often.

I worked on a job in Deakin where I was installing a chevron pattern engineered timber floor. It was very detailed work that carried through from the front door, down the main hallway, down a set of stairs and into the sunken lounge. I was so proud of working on that project and it’s that kind of detailed craftmanship that attracted me to the trade.

Q. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM YOUR APPRENTICESHIP?

MG: One of the highlights from my training was the advanced roof project. I loved the complexity of the maths behind it and how it wasn’t a straightforward project. But once you understood where each part fit in, it was a very satisfying little project.

Q. ASIDE FROM THE REQUIRED COURSE MATERIAL, WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’VE LEARNT FROM THE MBA TRAINERS?

MG: Being on time is a big thing. It’s crucial in this industry, and shows that you’re keen and willing to work.

Also, ask questions! I remember my trainer Ben saying to the class in first year, ‘we’re in the building game, not the guessing game’.

It’s okay to admit you don’t know and to ask for help. Asking questions also helps you to get a better understanding of what someone is asking you to do and can help you problem solve before things go too far, or pick something up they may have left out.

Q. WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

MG: I’ve received a lot of great advice because I work with really knowledgeable tradespeople, including the quote about asking questions. But a good piece of advice I got given recently was ‘Always carry a tape measure, because someone will always ask you to measure something when you’re walking around onsite’ and it’s true!