Jackson Brocx was also named most outstanding plumbing apprentice.
Camera IconJackson Brocx was also named most outstanding plumbing apprentice. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Jackson Brocx named Master Builders 2019 Apprentice of the Year

Staff WriterMelville Gazette

MELVILLE’S Jackson Brocx was named Apprentice of the Year at the 2019 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year awards last week

Construction Training Fund executive director and chief judge Alan Jackson said the fourth-year, plumbing and gas-fitting apprentice was a worthy winner with his supervisors giving him the highest possible rating in every aspect of his work.

“It was difficult to narrow down the list of 11 high-quality finalists to just one but Jackson impressed us with his work ethic, trade skills and outstanding problem solving abilities,” he said.

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“He has a respectful, easy going manner and takes on every job with such confidence and skill that he is trusted to work unsupervised and get on with the task at hand.

“As well as the overall apprentice award, Jackson won the prize for most outstanding plumbing apprentice.”

Veritruss founding director Ivan Darazs received the Ric New Rising Star Award for high achievers aged up to 25.

Ivan Darazs.
Camera IconIvan Darazs. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Ric New chief judge Michael McLean said Mr Darazs showed extraordinary levels of ability and self-belief in running a commercial construction company at the age of 23.

“Ivan holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management and is an active member of young builders’ groups,” he said.

“During his short time in the industry, Ivan has already played an integral role in the delivery of a diverse range of commercial construction projects in both the public and private sectors.

“He has a genuine passion for the industry, which is evident in his achievements.”

The Ric New Medal, which is judged on entrepreneurial flair and innovation up to the age of 35, was presented to Haydn Glendinning, who runs a thriving building company in Albany.

Haydn Glendinning.
Camera IconHaydn Glendinning. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“Haydn grew up in Albany but left to travel Australia after finishing his carpentry apprenticeship and ended up living in the Pilbara for 10 years,” Mr McLean said.

“While living in Karratha, Haydn flew to Perth twice each month for two and a half years to complete his builders’ registration.

“When he and his family relocated to the Great Southern, he quickly established a place in the market for his North 2 South construction company.

“In less than three years, he has built an enviable reputation as a quality builder of fine homes.

“His company has won numerous Master Builders awards for workmanship and customer service.

“He employs two tradies and two apprentices and provides an in-house design service with a focus on energy efficiency.”

The Apprentice of the Year awards celebrate new talent in the industry and are open to trainees in construction trades such as plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying and electrical work.

While the ongoing building downturn resulted in 25 per cent fewer entries this year, executive director John Gelavis said it was necessary to ensure the flow of skilled tradespeople continued.

“The building industry trains more apprentices than any other sector of the economy but numbers have been dropping in recent years due to the long-term building slowdown,” he said.

“We can’t afford to let skills die during the downturn because we’ll need them desperately when the upswing comes.”

Mr Gelavis commended employers who continued to invest in the future of the industry during the economic slowdown.

“Most builders who employ apprentices began as apprentices themselves and they deserve credit for passing on the opportunity to begin a career which was once offered to them,” he said.

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