To celebrate the success of our Master Builders apprentices, we are proud to announce our finalists in this year’s Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT (AEN NSW & ACT) Apprentice Training Awards 2025. These awards recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions in various aspects of apprentice and trainee development across several 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 serve as the representative body for employers of over 8,000 apprentices and 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 and trainees who have recently completed their training. This is part of our commitment to celebrating the achievements of all our apprentices and trainees. The winners will be announced at the Awards event in Sydney in October.

All of our finalists have demonstrated 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 finalists demonstrate exceptional personal skills, including teamwork and leadership, communication, goal setting and planning, self-reliance and community involvement.

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

Bronte Ryan

Nominated for the AEN NSW & ACT Women in Trades Apprentice of the Year 2025.

Bronte Ryan’s journey as a Carpentry apprentice with Host Employer Grindley since 2022 exemplifies rapid skill development and outstanding on-the-job performance, consistently exceeding expectations in a demanding commercial construction environment. Her dedication was formally recognised in 2024 when she won the Master Builders Association of NSW’s 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year Award (Commercial Construction Category) for her exceptional contributions at Grindley.

“Since I started my apprenticeship, I’ve seen more women on-site, which is great. I’ve also been involved in inspiring school students to consider a career in the trades, showing them that girls can do it too. I am humbled by the older generations onsite, who I learn a lot from, who say to me they are inspired to see a young woman like me working on site, learning the trade.” Bronte says.

Grindley Construction team Site Manager Mitchell Roberts had this to say about Bronte’s work performance, skills and commitment:

“Over the last few years, Bronte has proven that she can carry out carpentry and construction works, including assisting other trades. All her work is carried out to the highest standard, and she can also assist with supervising and organising other trades on site. Bronte has been a very beneficial addition to the Grindley Construction team. It has been a pleasure watching her grow into a knowledgeable and skilled worker, and I would happily welcome her into my team on any future projects”.

Daniel Hancock

Nominated for the AEN NSW & ACT First Nations Apprentice of the Year 2025.

Master Builders Carpentry apprentice Daniel Hancock, a proud Kamilaroi man and recently qualified Carpenter, completed his apprenticeship with Master Builders and Host Employer Kela Building Group in April 2025. Daniel’s hard work paid off, earning him a Lead Carpenter role with Kela Building Group, guiding new apprentices and managing subcontractors. Living in Gundungurra country, the Southern Highlands of regional NSW, Daniel knows the value of his Carpentry skills in a country with a tradie shortage.

Daniel’s Carpentry teacher, Brian Evans, Trainer and Assessor for TAFE NSW Goulburn, speaks highly of Daniel:

“I would rate him in the top 10 of my students. He was always on time with a 100% attendance rate. There were no issues with attendance whatsoever. He was keen on learning, and the transfer of skills was obvious between what he learned on the job site and what he was learning at TAFE, he was miles ahead of his peers. He was a solid apprentice, quietly capable, and would lead by example. In group work, others would often lean on Daniel for advice.”

Daniel has also recently completed the Certificate IV in Building and Construction, demonstrating his commitment to long-term professional development and his aspiration to obtain a building licence. This demonstrates a strategic and proactive approach to his career advancement within the industry, aligning with his broader goal to potentially manage his own future business and employ young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people one day.

Liam Bleasel

Nominated for the AEN NSW & ACT Apprentice of the Year 2025.

Liam began his career journey on an academic path with a Bachelor of Engineering degree. Halfway through, Liam made the big switch from Macquarie University to begin his Carpentry apprenticeship with the Master Builders Association of NSW.

His proactive attitude and leadership have made him a highly valued and trusted member of his Host Employer Blueprint Projects. Liam recently completed the Certificate IV in Building and Construction, aiming for his future building licence. It is in the Carpentry trade that Liam thrives on the combined physicality and mathematical aspects of the role.

Blueprint Projects Business Owner and Licensed Builder Eoghan Grant, describing the impact Liam has within the construction team, recounted his work performance, skills and commitment:

“Liam Bleasel started working with Blueprint Projects at the start of a technically challenging structural frame. Liam’s work ethic and positive attitude from his first day of this build made him an instant hit with the troops, and he has developed into a valued and respected member of our team”.

“Liam’s communication style is eloquent and well-versed, and much to the amusement and bewilderment of his co-workers, he is known for using large and elaborate words rarely used or heard on a building site. Liam can “conceptualise” a dormer skylight frame whilst those around him are picking splinters out of their fingers”.

“Liam has a discreet ambition and drive which has not gone unnoticed by his team members and has encouraged further education amongst some of his peers. He is constantly looking to learn and never shies away from new opportunities to further his knowledge and ability. This award nomination is unlikely to be his last in the industry. More than a young carpenter, Liam Bleasel is a great builder in the making.”

“I wish him all the best with his nomination”.