The achievements of Victoria’s apprentices in the building and construction industry were celebrated tonight at the Master Builders Association of Victoria Apprenticeship of the Year Awards.
Attending the event, Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, congratulated all winners on the night and wished them well in future endeavours.
Chisholm TAFE apprentice Danielle Shedden, from Cranbourne West was named Apprentice of the Year – the second year in a row a female tradie has taken out the top award. She was also named Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year and Joinery Apprentice of the Year.
Mr Herbert said the calibre of apprentices was outstanding, and applauded the fact that women in the building industry were thriving.
Danielle will now go on to represent Victoria at the National Master Builders Association Awards in November.
The Andrews Labor Government has secured support for apprentices in this week’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget, halving the cost of car registration for eligible apprentices who rely on their car to do their job each day.
The Budget provided $350 million to restore Victoria’s TAFE system, with $300 million dedicated to the TAFE Rescue Fund and $50 million for the TAFE Back to Work Fund, to help campuses meet the needs of local employers so local students get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
Ten per cent of the workforce on all major projects will be reserved for apprentices, ensuring local jobs and growing the economy.
The Labor Government will also establish a Skills Commissioner to focus on better meeting the skill needs of students, industries and employers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert
“We’re creating opportunities for apprentices and trainees to develop their skills, which will create jobs and grow our economy now and into the future.”
“Bricklayers, joiners, plumbers, electricians – these are the people who build our economy. Our first Budget is supporting tradies, such as by discounting apprentices car rego costs by half.”
“Congratulations to the outstanding apprentices and employers of the Victorian building and construction industry recognised here tonight.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020