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A guide to preparing Apprentice of the Year Awards Nominations.

A well-prepared nomination application can boost success in the Master Builders Association NSW Apprentice of the Year Awards. The judges receive high-quality apprentice nominations, so extra effort is needed to stand out. These awards honour apprentices demonstrating exceptional skill, dedication, and commitment, highlighting their contributions to the building and construction industry. Recognition benefits both the apprentice and your business as a quality employer, showcasing your ability to provide excellent training and supervision. This guide offers tips and examples for creating a standout nomination application.

Key Dates and links for the Master Builders Association NSW Apprentice of the Year Awards 2025

Award Objectives and Criteria

The primary goals of the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards are to:

  • Encourage apprentices to strive for excellence
  • Highlight the value of skilled trades and inspire pride in workmanship
  • Recognise apprentices who excel in their Registered Training Organisation (RTO) studies, perform at a high practical level in employment, and demonstrate commitment to safe work practices and good character.

To be eligible for nomination, apprentices must:

  • Have commenced or completed their trade qualification at an approved TAFE/RTO
  • Open to all stages and building trades apprentices
  • The awards are open for members and non-members
  • Be highly regarded by their employer for their knowledge, above-average skill, application to work, cooperative attitude, commitment to safety, and responsibility to their company, its suppliers, and clients
  • Have performed with diligence, proved courteous and cooperative with staff and customers, and achieved merit in their pursuit of excellence.

Tips for a Quality Nomination Application

1. Schedule your time and create a plan

As an Employer or Supervisor, schedule time with your apprentice and Site Manager to work on the application together. Preparation is vital for gathering all required details for a quality nomination. A weekly catch-up is recommended to avoid last-minute rushes. The application has 10 questions, so start by making a checklist of items to cover, and linking them to the questions and criteria in the form.

For example:

  • Names and locations of projects the apprentice worked on
  • List the personal strengths of the apprentice
  • Describe situations where the apprentices’ soft skills shined i.e. communication, negotiation, customer service, teamwork, reliability, decision-making
  • Any problem-solving examples that were instrumental to the task and/or project to move forward
  • List of skills the apprentice has learnt onsite
  • Collect copies of awards, merits, scholarships and other qualifications, even if they are not directly related to the trade
  • Collect copies of transcripts and results from TAFE/RTO
  • Collect Attendance records from TAFE/RTO
  • Request a support or endorsement letter from the TAFE/RTO teacher or headteacher or Manager
  • Request any support or endorsement letters from other people the apprentice may have worked with onsite, from Managers of the company, or any other community organisations the apprentice is involved in
  • List of other onsite staff or team members or customers names the apprentice may have worked directly with
  • Think of a pivotal moment for you as the Supervisor where the apprentice may have made a great improvement or listened and followed through with successful outcomes and note these moments down
  • List the activities the apprentice enjoys in their spare time, such as participating in local church community events, volunteering for the Rural Fire Service, playing sports, refereeing or coaching at community sports clubs, attending car charity events, and helping family, friends, and neighbours with their projects and renovations
  • Prepare some quality photos of the apprentice with the building project, the task, and with the team.

2. Showcase Skills and Work Ethic with Strong Examples

The selection panel values apprentices who demonstrate exceptional skills, a strong work ethic, and professionalism. Instead of making general statements, provide specific examples of:

  • A time when the apprentice went above and beyond in their role
  • A challenging task or project they completed successfully
  • Their ability to work efficiently under pressure
  • Their leadership or teamwork abilities on-site

For instance, rather than stating, “The apprentice is hardworking and reliable,” provide a real-life scenario such as, “During a tight project deadline on the new XYZ 2nd story addition project in North Parramatta, the apprentice worked diligently to ensure the framework was completed, ensuring the team stayed on schedule without compromising quality output.”

3. Highlight Commitment to Safety and Workplace Standards

A strong nominee should have a solid understanding and commitment to workplace safety. Highlight:

  • How the apprentice follows and promotes safety
  • Any safety initiatives they have taken, such as reminding others of hazards or suggesting safer work methods.
  • Training courses in first aid, work safely at heights, or other workplace safety

For example, “The apprentice identified a potential trip hazard on-site and proactively took steps to remove it, communicating this to the Supervisor and other team members ensuring a safer environment for all team members.”

4. Include Testimonials

Letters of support or endorsement from any of the apprentices’ colleagues who helped with training and development add credibility to the application. Request these as soon as you decide you are going to nominate to allow others time to write the letter. These should:

  • Explain the apprentice’s skill development, attitude, and reliability
  • Include specific examples of their growth and achievements
  • Be unique and personalised between the endorser and the apprentice
  • Focus on discussing how the apprentice has improved over time and why they stand out from others in the industry.

5. Demonstrate Personal and Professional Growth

The best candidates not only excel in their trade but also show dedication to continuous learning and development. Highlight:

  • Any extra training or certifications completed
  • How they have adapted to new technologies, tools, or construction techniques
  • How they have directly applied their RTO training to an on-the-job situation
  • Ways they have taken the initiative to learn beyond their standard coursework.

6. Present a Well-Organised and Professionally Written Application

A clear, concise, and well-structured application leaves a strong impression on the judges. Follow these best practices:

  • Avoid spelling and grammar errors and proofread the application multiple times
  • Ask someone else to help you proofread the application form from a different perspective
  • Allow yourself time to review all your answers, and edit and refine where required
  • Draft your answers into a separate document so that you can edit them before applying directly to the AwardsForce online application form
  • Provide detailed and accurate information
  • Use professional language
  • Answer all the questions and criteria
  • It’s ok to use apps like Chat GTP to assist with your writing and editing.

The more comprehensive and well-documented the application, the better it will reflect the apprentice’s achievements and potential.

By focusing on these aspects, you can craft a quality nomination application that stands out to the judging panel and increases the chances of being recognised as the Master Builders NSW Apprentice of the Year.

For more information visit the website https://www.mbansw.asn.au/apprentice-year-awards

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Definitions

This document outlines the direct debit arrangements between Master Builders Association of NSW Pty Ltd, ABN 11 074 397 532 (MBANSW) and you.

MBANSW is the registered Group Training Organisation and Apprenticeship Services arm of Master Builders Association of New South Wales, ABN 96 550 042 906 (Master Builders)

“You”, “your” and “Host Employer” refer to you, your company and business nominated in the table below.

This document outlines the direct debit arrangements between MBANSW and you.

Direct Debit Terms and Conditions

  • Your nominated account or credit card will be debited weekly for hosting a MBAS or MBAS+ apprentice or trainee.
  • The first debit to your account will occur within 7 working days of the MBAS or MBAS+ apprentice or trainee commencing their placement with your business.
  • If an invoice payment is due on a non-business day, it will be debited from your account on the following business day.
  • Host Employer account information held by MBANSW will be kept confidential. Please note that some information is provided to the MBANSW financial institution to initiate the debit to your nominated account.
  • MBANSW will give you a minimum of 14 days’ notice in writing of changes to these Terms and Conditions.
  • If you wish to make changes to this arrangement, please contact MBANSW on (02) 8586 3533.

Your responsibility in this arrangement

  • Ensure that your nominated account can accept direct debits (your financial institution can confirm this).
  • Ensure there are sufficient cleared funds in the nominated account on the drawing date.
  • Advise MBANSW in writing if the nominated account is transferred or closed.


Please note that if your payment is dishonoured by your financial institution, a re-draw will take place within 7 days.

Any transaction fees payable by MBANSW in respect to a dishonoured payment will be added to your account.

Enquiries

Please direct all enquiries to MBAS (02) 8586 3533 or apprenticeship@mbansw.asn.au;

Please include your phone and email address.

I/We authorise MBANSW to arrange for funds to be debited from my/our nominated account at the financial institution identified below.

This authority to direct debit will remain in place in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.