To celebrate the success of our Master Builders apprentices, we are proud to announce our nominees for this year’s Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT (AEN NSW & ACT) Apprentice Training Awards, recognising outstanding achievements and contributions in various aspects of apprentice and trainee development across a number of different categories.

The AEN NSW & ACT are the peak body representing a network of independent, not-for-profit Registered Group Training Organisations in NSW and the ACT. They form part of a national network of group training associations and are the representative body for employers of more than 8,000 trainees. To be a member Registered Group Training Organisations have met the National Group Training Standards, ensuring the delivery of quality, accountable services to the Vocational Education and Training industry.

The AEN NSW & ACT Apprentice Training Awards are an opportunity for Master Builders to nominate and highlight some of our exceptional apprentices who have recently completed their training. This is a part of our commitment to celebrating the achievements of all our apprentices. We will find out who the winners are from a shortlist of finalists at the Awards event in Sydney in October.

All of our nominees have shown excellence in their on-the-job training, including skill development, overall work quality and a commitment to safe work practices, as well as their off the job training, including RTO results and the application of the technical skills they have learnt. Additionally, the nominees demonstrate exceptional personal skills including teamwork and leadership, communication, goal setting and planning, self-reliance and community involvement.

We wish all of our nominees the best of luck and commend them on their fantastic achievements in becoming qualified tradespeople!

Frankie-Mairead Kelly

Nominated for Women in Trades Apprentice of the Year 2024

Frankie-Mairead Kelly has been nominated for the AEN Women in Trades Apprentice of the Year, for her outstanding performance in completing her carpentry apprenticeship. Beginning her apprenticeship in 2021, Frankie has continued to excel, winning the Master Builders Association of NSW Apprentice of the Year award in her second year.

She was welcomed as the first female apprentice at Ideal Building, a small residential business located in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Director and licenced builder Ben Crocker has high praise for Frankie saying that she is often two steps ahead of everyone on site.

“Frankie deserves to win this award because she has shown her total dedication to her apprenticeship. I have to say is the single best apprentice I’ve ever had (approximately 6 apprentices over 20 years). Frankie has been the standout. She goes over and above, is a total joy to work with. I’m thrilled to have Frankie as part of my team and she has brought with her so much more than simply just being a great apprentice, she is great for business.”

Frankie has continued to develop her career in the construction industry, enrolling in the Certificate IV in Building and Construction course with Master Builders.

Jackamurra O’Hara

Nominated for First Nations Apprentice of the Year 2024

Master Builders Carpentry apprentice Jackamurra O’Hara has been nominated for the AEN First Nations Apprentice of the Year award, in recognition of his significant determination and dedication to his training.

Jackamurra completed his apprenticeship in August of 2024 with Indigenous Host Employer Yabaa Group, an Aboriginal-owned business that specialises in line marking, traffic management, building and construction, and civil services.

Some of the major projects Jackamurra has worked on with the team include:

• Burwood Girls HS
• Barangaroo Amenities build
• Gulargambone Civil project
• Tamworth TAFE Fit-out

Jackamurra stands out in his field, travelling to remote places in NSW to work in aboriginal communities improving their living spaces and built environment. Thanks to his ability to connect with clients, heightened site awareness and broad carpentry skillset, he is becoming a high-quality tradesperson and an asset to Yabaa Group.

Paulo Atienza

Nominated for Apprentice of the Year 2024

Master Builders Carpentry apprentice Paulo Atienza has been nominated for this year’s AEN Apprentice of the Year.

Paulo completed his apprenticeship last month under host employer Greenaway Homes, an award-winning, family-owned business focused on building quality, custom homes. Paulo is a shining example of a mature age apprentice, beginning at 35 years old after 10 years working in the recruitment industry.

His consistent advocacy for the VET sector and the building and construction industry is commendable. His message emphasises that age is no barrier when it comes to discovering one’s true calling and pursuing it passionately.

Paulo has also been an incredible ambassador and advocate for the Master Builders, donating his time to help with Marketing and supporting the growth of apprenticeships across NSW. A Lifesize cardboard cut-out of ‘Paulo the Chippy’ features at the career expos creating an interactive selfie opportunity for young people to put themselves in the picture of a tradie.

Paulo aspires to start the Certificate IV in Building and Construction with Master Builders, putting him on the pathway to becoming a licenced builder.

Boston Tuffy

Nominated for Apprentice of the Year 2024

We are proud to highlight Master Builders Carpentry apprentice Boston Tuffy, nominated for the AEN Apprentice of the Year.

Boston began his carpentry apprenticeship at 18 with the family business, Tuffy Builders, an award-winning building company with experience in all areas of construction, including residential, high-rise residential, commercial and all types of remedial projects.

Boston completed his apprenticeship in January of 2024 and now holds aspirations to further his career and become a licenced builder, commencing the Certificate IV in Building and Construction qualification.

Since commencing his apprenticeship, Boston has become an incredibly adept carpenter and is an asset to his team, often taking the initiative on projects to become a site supervisor when necessary and ensuring that work is being completed to the highest standard.

Connor Moore

Nominated for Apprentice of the Year 2024

The Master Builders would like to recognise Carpentry apprentice Connor Moore, for his excellent commitment to his training and education, which has culminated in a nomination for the AEN Apprentice of the Year.

Connor started his career journey with commercial construction company COWYN as a school-based apprentice, successfully completing his training in March of 2024. COWYN is a dynamic family-owned and operated business servicing Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast and South Coast regions of New South Wales.

Connor has excelled in his TAFE studies throughout his apprenticeship, drawing praise from his teacher Michael Rudd.

“Having a student like Connor is every teachers dream, because their attitude towards their studies and their workmanship earns respect from the other students in the class.”

Connor has received awards and recognition for his dedication and hard work throughout his apprenticeship with COWYN and the Master Builders Association of NSW, including:

• The COWYN Annual Site Safety Award 2022
• The COWYN Outstanding Apprentice Award 2023
• Nomination for NSW State Training Awards Apprentice of the Year 2024
• Nomination for MBA Apprentice of the Year 2024.

With the completion of his carpentry apprenticeship, Connor is continuing his learning and development journey and is now studying the Certificate IV in Building and Construction. This qualification will allow Connor to become a licensed builder, further developing his career in the construction industry.