Ben Taylor awarded Master Builders State Apprentice of the Year

Congratulations to VU Polytechnic carpentry apprentice Ben Taylor who was recently awarded as the Master Builders Association of Victoria’s 2020 State Apprentice of the Year!

Ben is also the recipient of MBAV’s Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year as well as Carpentry Apprentice of the Year.

The Master Builders Victoria Apprentice of the Year Awards is a long-standing celebration of trade careers in the building and construction industry and provides recognition to those individuals undertaking an apprenticeship in selected building trades.

Ben completed his Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30211) with VU Polytechnic while working as an apprentice for Appetite for Construction.

Ben is known for being courteous, polite, attentive, punctual, and for his overall efforts in mastering his trade. The judges recognised these attributes and were impressed further by his attitude to his career and the passion he showed towards his craftsmanship. Ben says:

I’m really honoured to receive this award. My experience during my training at VU was super positive. All the teachers that were involved in teaching me were both passionate and knowledgeable. The great teachers, along with the amazing facilities at VU really enabled me to excel and further my carpentry skills. My advice for other apprentices is to work hard during your training and soak up all the experience and expertise that you can both onsite and in the classroom – it’s the combination of both of these that prepares you and ensures you’re ready to be a great worker once you’re qualified. 

It’s hard to know if there’s somebody out there more qualified than I am or more deserving of the award, but all I know is I turn up to work every single day. I just want to work to push myself to learn. I want to be the best that I can be every single day.

Carpentry teacher, Justin Maddy, applauds Ben’s commitment and work ethic.

Ben was a standout student. He always asked questions to further his knowledge. In one of his last classes, I asked Ben to assist one of our students with an intellectual disability. Ben ended up taking him under his wing and guided the student for the whole project, even though it slowed his progress down.  

Ben was always happy and completes projects at a very high standard. It was a pleasure to have him in the class.  Well done Ben. I never had any doubt that you would win the apprentice of the year award - you deserve it!

Congratulations Ben on your outstanding achievement!