Horsham Rural City Council’s Mark Hunter was part of a trio of Wimmera tradespeople to be honoured at the 2022 Master Builders Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards.
Mr Hunter took out the Chairperson’s Award for the Ballarat region and joined fellow Horsham builders Zachary Walter and Mitchell Crough as major winners.
The handyman and concrete worker has been part of Council’s infrastructure maintenance team since 2007, and started his Certificate 3 Carpentry apprenticeship to advance his skills in 2018.
A typical day would see Mr Hunter repairing and maintaining infrastructure such as park benches, hand railing, recreation equipment and other carpentry work.
He recently completed the apprenticeship and was nominated for the award by Skillinvest Horsham.
Looking to the future, Mark hopes to continue upskilling himself and one day gain his builder registration.
“The building registration would allow me to take on many building projects for Council that are often contracted out to third parties,” he said.
“I see that as a good thing for our organisation.”
Mayor Robyn Gulline congratulated Mr Hunter and wished him luck for the state level competition to be announced in May 2022.
“Mark’s persistence and dedication to his trade were evident to this years’ judges,” she said.
“From all reports, Mark has demonstrated great patience and leadership skills when imparting his experience and wisdom onto those around him,” Cr Gulline said.
Meanwhile two other Horsham tradespeople were also recognised.
Mr Walter, received the Ballarat Apprentice of the Year Developing Leader Award and Mr Crough was named the Ballarat Apprentice of the Year Future Builder Award.
The pair was also nominated by Skillinvest and work as builders for BF & SJ Harberger.
The apprentices interviewed were judged on the following criteria:
- Preparation and presentation
- Work experience
- Knowledge and career plans
- Attitude on and about the job
- Industry representation.
