The winners of the 2018 HIA WA Stratco Apprentice Awards were announced at Perth Arena on Friday 20 July 2018 at an impressive cocktail event attended by over 170 guests. HIA Brand Ambassador Scott Cam and Sports Personality Lachy Reid were entertaining and motivating hosts, chatting with the young trades people well after the formalities were over. The Hon Sue Ellery MLC gave an encouraging speech on the importance of apprenticeships, especially with the anticipated approaching trade shortage.
John Gelavis, HIA Executive Director WA said, “HIA’s Apprentice Awards highlight the importance of investing time into training the next generation of tradespeople, who are the Building Industry’s future.”
“Apprenticeship and traineeship programs are an investment in our youth, their training, their careers and their futures. Importantly, they are an investment in not just our industry but Australia’s future”. John Gelavis continued.
HIA Judges said they were impressed with the number of entries in 2018’s Award Program, which were up on 2017.
“It is encouraging to see our young trades’ people and their hosts are proud of the work they are doing, and are confident to put themselves and their apprentice’s forward for an award.” He said.
Fourth Year Stone Masonry apprentice Roan Spence was successful in winning several awards, including the highly coveted 2018 HIA WA Stratco Peter Stannard Apprentice of the Year. HIA judges commented, “Roan is clearly committed to being the best at his trade that he can be, and it is impressive to see him take on the traditional techniques of stone masonry to ensure accurate restoration work”.
Congratulations were also extended to Roan’s host trainer James Mason from Colgan Industries who won a HIA Host Trainer Commendation Award for the level of guidance and thorough training he passes on to his apprentices. Raphael Allen from Celebration Homes also took out a HIA Host Trainer Commendation Award for his excellent training in Solid Plastering. One of Raphael’s apprentices, Darren North, won First Year Apprentice of the Year with judges commenting “Darren is a keen apprentice who has a bright future ahead of him”.
Second Year Apprentice of the Year Christopher Papanaoum from Concretus also received praise from the judges, with them commenting that while concreting apprentices weren’t very common, “Chris has a great attitude to learning new skills and obviously puts in a lot of effort. He is passionate about his trade and will do well in the future”.
Third Year Bricklaying apprentice Nikolas Foster did very well on the night taking home both Third Year Apprentice – Bricklaying and Third Year Apprentice of the Year. He said he began an apprenticeship as “Is a great way to acquire the knowledge of a trade and provide stepping stones for future career pathways, especially in construction. One of my goals is to run my own bricklaying team one day”.
Source: HIA