The 2025 award nominations reflected an exceptional standard of talent, making a lasting impression on our judging panel.

Each nominee brought forward a unique blend of skill, passion and commitment to their chosen field, making the task of selecting finalists particularly challenging.

The quality of contributions across all categories was outstanding, and it is clear that each individual has made a valuable impact in their workplace. 1300apprentice commend every nominee for their dedication and pursuit of excellence.

These awards are made possible through the ongoing support of our host employers. Your role in providing daily training, encouragement and mentorship is essential to their growth and success of our apprentices and trainees. Thank you for helping shape the future workforce.

1300apprentice would like to thank our major sponsor MEGT Apprenticeship Network Provider and partnering RTO Australian College of Commerce and Management who have been supporting our awards for the past several years.

We congratulate all the finalists and winners and look forward to their continued success in their respective fields. 

We are delighted to announce the winners of our awards for 2025…

Apprentice of the Year – Josephine B, Certificate III Parks & Gardens

The apprentice of the year award recognises an individual who has displayed outstanding skills, unwavering dedication, and significant progress within their trade. This year’s recipient has not only met those expectations, but she has also exceeded them.

Josephine’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. As a mature-aged apprentice thriving in a non-traditional trade, she has broken barriers and set a powerful example for others to follow.

Josephine’s passion for her work, commitment to excellence and a strong focus on workplace safety made her an influential and respectable presence on site.

A true ambassador for the Vocational Education and Training sector, Josephine has earned admiration not just for her resilience and drive. Completing her apprenticeship ahead of time is a testament to her work ethic and determination.

Whilst Josephine acknowledges the invaluable support given by her family, host employer, her direct manager and Apprentice & Trainee officer Clare, it is her own determination and extraordinary commitment that make her a deserving recipient of this year’s Apprentice of the Year award.

We congratulate Josephine on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her continued success as a qualified tradesperson.

Trainee of the Year – Imogen M, Certificate III Business

Runner up – Charles M, Certificate III Business  

Congratulations to Imogen for her innovative thinking and implementation of continuous improvement within her workplace. Imogen has streamlined processes and improved communications within departments after identifying, implementing and rolling out a new software program.

This award is presented to a trainee who has demonstrated exceptional performance, dedication and growth throughout their traineeship.

Imogen aims to positively influence those around her. She has experience in mentoring youth and those with disabilities. Imogen likes to lead others and believes that learning is an integral part of life.

Well done on all your achievements Imogen!

Women in Trades – Natasha B, Certificate III Electrotechnology

Runner Up – Tahlia, Certificate III Parks and Gardens

The Women in Trades award is presented to those women in non-traditional trades who actively work to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in industry.

Even though Natasha is the only female on site, she has always had the support of her team, she feels welcomed and valued as a colleague. She has developed interpersonal skills which have boosted her confidence and is able to positively represent herself and her host employer. These skills have assisted her not only one the job but also in her personal life.

Natasha admits that as a woman in trade, it can present some challenges, however, the feeling of accomplishment and pride she feels at the end of the day is well worth the journey and keeps her motivated.

We are proud to assist Natasha in her trade and look forward to seeing her reach her goal to become a trade qualified electrician in the near future.

First Nations Apprentice of the Year – Kara T, Certificate III Business

Runner Up – Dorjee P, Certificate III Business

This award recognises a First Nations apprentice or trainee who has developed exceptional dedication, skill and commitment to both their trade and cultural heritage.

Kara is a proud first nations trainee who participates in NAIDOC week, cleansing ceremonies with elders and attends local community meetings to learn more about her community and be inspired to become a strong leader and role model to other first nations youth. Kara wants to lead other first nations with pride.

Kara believes she has developed valuable communication and team skills that have not only allowed her to excel in her role but to positively impact others around her, a strong advocate for Vocational Education and Training.

Kara is happy to share her story with customers who ask her about how she secured a traineeship.

Congratulations Kara!

Adult Apprentice of the Year – Theodore M, Certificate III Parks & Gardens

This award has been given to an adult apprentice who has shown dedication, skill development and commitment to their trade.

We are pleased to announce this year’s adult apprentice of the year recipient, Theodore. Having been a recipient of the 1300apprentice awards previously winning our Safe Practices award in 2023 and runner-up of this category in 2024, we couldn’t be more thrilled for Theodore taking out this year’s winning spot.

Extending his skillset throughout his parks ang gardens apprenticeship, Theodore has learned to service brush cutters and blowers, operate and maintain ride on mowers, operate mounted chemical spray, and more. Theordore has also taken part in additional licences such as first aid, Rail Assessment Corridor and Access Corridor Safety licences, all of which will aid Theodore with the skills to supervise other staff. In his spare time, Theodore operates his own business, supporting residential clients by maintaining lawns, hedges and gardens.

Theodore says that “you can’t really go wrong with a trade, there is always going to be a need for trade service, so you are looking at greater job security than other industries and in addition, you get to study while both being paid to do so and getting hands on direct experience in your industry”.

Well done Theodore, the team at 1300apprentice are very proud of your achievements so far.

Rising Star of the Year – Patrick S, Certificate III Mobile Plant Technology

Runner Up – Harrison S, Certificate III Carpentry

The Rising Star of the Year award is presented to those apprentices from first to third year who have made impressive advancement in their chosen field.

This year’s winner, Patrick, says that “you should never feel afraid to ask a question as an apprentice, if you never ask, you never learn”. This is some great advice from an apprentice who has excelled in his chosen career.

As an above average performer, Patrick works on one of the largest forklift sites in Victoria which includes looking after 400 units between himself and a qualified tradesperson. Patrick says that some of the skills that have helped in excel include…

“building and maintaining positive relationships with other members of the team and learning to balance priorities based on urgency.”

Patrick says that he always shows up to work with a positive attitude and focuses on safety by minimising and harm towards himself or others. Well done Patrick!

Safe Work Practices – Alexander G, Certificate III Air-conditioning & Refrigeration

Runner Up – Hussein O, Certificate III Electrotechnology

Having recently progressed to his second year, Alexander has already distinguished himself as a standout apprentice when it comes to prioritizing safety on the job. In the high-risk field of air-conditioning and refrigeration, Alexander demonstrates an exceptional commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

Alexander takes a proactive approach, regularly attending toolbox talks, contributing to safety discussions, and ensuring that both he and his colleagues remain protected whilst tasks are carried out.

When a first year apprentice, Alexander’s host employer stated that “Alexander’s skills exceed those typically seen at a second year level”. Across all reviews, Alexander has received a perfect score 5 out of 5 for his strict adherence to PPE and safe work practices.

Alex is a deserving recipient of this year’s Safe Work Practices Award. Congratulations Alexander!

School-based Trainee of the Year – Leyla W, Certificate III in Business

Runner Up – Ava, Certificate III School-based Education and Support

The school-based apprentice/trainee award recognises dedication to formal studies while successfully balancing the responsibilities within the workplace.

During the short time Leyla has been working towards her certificate III in Business, she has already achieved so much. While managing her work commitments, school and her traineeship studies, Leyla has also represented her school at numerous functions and participated in volunteer programs supporting the underprivileged within the school community. In addition, Leyla takes on various leadership roles and was recently nominated by her peers as Leader of Culture.

Leyla credits the school-based traineeship opportunity with helping her gain confidence and says the VET pathway was the right choice for her as it focuses on practical, real-world skills that are directly applicable to the workplace.

Leyla is passionate about continuing her career development and is looking forward to completing school and moving into full time employment. We are excited to see what she will accomplish next.

Thanks to everyone who nominated for this year’s awards.

Read more about the awards criteria and categories on the 1300apprentice Awards page.

1300apprentice Awards are sponsored by:

Thank you, Australian College of Commerce and Management, for your generous donation towards our awards program. Your support plays a vital role in recognising and encouraging excellence, and we are truly grateful for your contribution. Your generosity helps us celebrate outstanding achievements and inspire others to strive for success.