Commending apprentices and their work across Victoria

Last week we joined 700 people at the 2024 Master Builders Victoria State Apprentice Awards in Melbourne.

Throughout the night we celebrated some of the best and brightest talent in our industry.

For women like carpentry apprentice Perin Breakell, these awards showcased their talents, dedication and workmanship.

Perin who won the Apprentice of the Year Award, was determined to forge a career as a carpenter. Proving that persistence pays off she took home the title for Victorian Apprentice of the Year.

“I’m really excited for the day that my son can go to school and tell his mates that his Mum is officially a chippy!” Perin said.

Perin hopes to take on a training role in the future, and with the recognition she received on the night, Perin is taking some great first steps towards this goal.

Among the winners of last week’s State Apprentice Award winners were:

• Daniel Currie, LNX Constructions - President's Award
• Dale Harris, Len Pyle – Apprentice of The Year, Future Builder Award
• Perin Breakell, Craft Built Homes – Apprentice of The Year, Developing Leader Award
• Alec Smith, Building Skills Centre – Apprentice of The Year, Craftsperson Award
• Matilda Ould, SC Weir Cabinets – Apprentice of The Year, Structural & Finishing Trades Award
• Mikeely Dell, OPAT – Apprentice of the Year, Junior Apprentice Award

On behalf of Incolink CEO Erik Locke, Executive General Manager of Services and Operations Benjamin Maxfield said it was a privilege to see such a talented field of award participants.

Benjamin was especially pleased to see talent recognised from traditionally underrepresented groups.

“There were some terrific female winners. The highlight was Perin, who took out the major award for the evening,” Benjamin said.

“She was such a good speaker. She had a powerful message to all apprentices: pursue your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do.”

CEO of Master Builders Victoria, Michaela Lihou, also celebrated the families, employers, and training providers supporting these apprentices as they continue their journey in industry.

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

“We recognise that investing in the development of our apprentices is essential.”

We'd like to thank Master Builders Victoria for celebrating the work of young apprentices across the state.