Sandon’s carpentry apprenticeship inspires industry success

Sandon was among five Holmesglen apprentices who received awards at the 2021 Master Builders Victoria State Apprentice of the Year Awards.

"The Master Builders Building Industry Foundation Award means so much to me. I know that all my hard work and dedication, the early mornings and late nights, rain or sun, countless hours in traffic, are all worth it for a job that I love."

 Sandon’s motivation has also been recognised in the Holmesglen workshop. He previously won Outstanding Second Year Apprentice at our Department Awards event.

In addition to carpentry, Holmesglen students can also look into related fields like building and construction or plumbing, which can help them broaden their trade qualifications.

Carpentry apprentices like Sandon learn the key skills needed to build a house and similar structures.

This includes constructing roofs, wall frames, ceilings and trusses, eaves and external timber stairs. Students also learn how to install cladding, windows, lining, panelling and molding.

Other study areas include:

•  OHS
•  tool and equipment safety
•  excavation
•  reading and interpreting plans
•  installing flooring systems.

Sandon says attitude and work ethic are as important as skills learned in the workshop.

“At Holmesglen, I’ve learned to be persistent and that making a mistake is just part of learning,” he says.

“When you’re in the carpentry workshop and making your scale replicas of different components of houses and learning new techniques, you aren’t going to get everything right the first time, just be persistent and keep working, and you’lll get the skills right.”

At Holmesglen, Sandon has benefitted from industry-experienced teachers, who support all apprentices through their training to full-time employment.

“Winning an award is not only a reflection of myself, but the people around me and the environments that I have been provided. The people around me demand my best. My teachers have helped make me an independent thinker.”

Build your carpentry career at Holmesglen

Sandon’s success story shows what’s possible when you combine passion with the right training and support. Find out more about our carpentry courses and how to apply.