General News
10 April, 2022
Wimmera apprentices rewarded
Three Wimmera apprentices have been awarded for their efforts and learning at the Regional Apprentice Awards.
THREE Wimmera apprentices have been awarded for their efforts and learning at the Master Builders Victoria’s Regional Apprentice Awards.
Mitchell Crough was awarded the Ballarat Apprentice of the Year Future Builder Award, Zachary Walter received the Ballarat Apprentice of the Year Developing Leader Award and Ballarat Chairperson’s Award was awarded to Mark Hunter.
Mr Crough and Mr Walter were nominated by their training provider, Skillinvest and employer BF and SJ Harberger.
Mr Hunter was nominated by Skillinvest and is employed by Horsham Rural City Council.
Mr Walter said it was a massive surprise to receive the award.
“It felt really good to acknowledge all the years of work and I was stoked just to be nominated so to win I was wrapped,” he said.
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Mr Walter completed a Certificate III in carpentry.
“I started with BF and SJ Harberger for the first three years when I began the certificate in 2013,” Mr Walter said.
“I left to think about pursuing a different career and found out I had some health problems so I went and got everything diagnosed and then decided to come back and finish it.”
Mr Walter said he plans to stick around in Horsham and possibly look at venturing out in the industry on his own in the future.
“I’d like to thank my employer for helping me stick to it and getting all the work done and all the support I got from trade teachers as well,” he said.
The judges said Mr Walter demonstrated great courage during his apprenticeship when faced with extreme hardship.
“Zachary’s favourite part of his job is to mentor other apprentices and impart his knowledge onto the up-and-coming carpenters,” they said.
“With the guidance of his employer BF and SJ Harberger, Zachary has been able to build his confidence in many aspects of his work.
“Zachary is extremely proud of his achievements during his apprenticeship.”
ACHIEVEMENT: Mitchell Crough receives the Ballarat Apprentice of the Year Future Builder Award from Master Builders president Mark Little. Photo: CONTRIBUTED.Mr Hunter said it was good to receive recognition for the hard work put in.
“I think it's also praise for our trade school teacher who taught all three of us as we were in the same group,” he said.
“It was also very surprising to receive it.”
Mr Hunter said his apprenticeship journey was a “long one”.
“Nearly 15 years ago I finished my Certificate II with the University of Ballarat but at the time wasn’t working under someone who was qualified for me to do my apprenticeship with,” he said.
“It wasn’t until four or five years ago that my employer worked with me to set up a training plan where I could tick off my requirements at Longerenong College with my Skillinvest trainer as my qualified trainer.
“I’d been doing renovations and maintenance for nearly 15 years but it was also a goal of mine to be fully qualified so it was good to get over the line.”
Mr Hunter said the award was positive for the work he does with the council.
“I don’t think many residents always know what we do, it’s not just roads and footpaths,” he said.
“There’s a lot of facilities we maintain so it was good to be able to get people to see that.”
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Judges said Mr Hunters’ persistence and dedication to his trade were evident.
“He loves how carpentry allows him to use a variety of skills, which suits him perfectly,” they said.
“Mark’s apprenticeship wasn’t always a smooth road; however, he maintained his positive attitude and self-confidence throughout the process.
“Whilst mentoring others, Mark demonstrated great patience and leadership skills when imparting his wisdom onto those around him.
“Looking to the future, Mark hopes to continue upskilling himself and one day gain his Builder Registration.”
The judges’ said Mr Crough had been described as a passionate carpenter with an eye for detail in finished homes.
“Knowing he wanted to be a builder at an early age, Mitchell worked hard to utilise his hands-on skills during his apprenticeship,” the judges said.
The judges said they were impressed with Mr Crough’s forward-thinking, including the goal to have his own business in the future.
“Mitchell is determined to gain his Builders Registration and continue to better himself to reach his ambitions,” they said.