Excellence in Western Australia’s Construction Industry was on show with 36 finalists recognised at the 2025 Skill Hire & NextGen Skills Construction Industry Training Awards Night on Friday, August 8.
The awards ceremony recognised outstanding achievements in Western Australia’s construction training and employment, celebrating the contributions of apprentices, host employers, and training providers.
A total of 17 awards were presented across various categories, including the prestigious 2025 CTF Construction Apprentice of the Year.
Molly Dyball won Choice Building Product’s School-based Construction Pre-Apprentice of the Year Award. Molly, who is doing a pre-apprenticeship in plumbing with work experience employer Beyond Plumbing and Gas was recognised for her strong work ethic, completing her hours during school holidays and embracing every opportunity to learn more.
The PSQ Group Secondary School Construction Engagement Award went to John Forrest Secondary College, which was recognised for its excellence in encouraging and supporting pre-apprentices and students within the construction industry.
DeWALT Best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Construction Student Award went to Shanarlah Pickett, a boilermaker/welder apprentice with host employer Civmec. Shanarlah was acknowledged for demonstrating a combination of technical skill, personal growth, cultural leadership, and contributions to her trade and community.
The prestigious 2025 Construction Training Fund Construction Apprentice of the Year award went to Banjo Duffett. Banjo was recognised for showing high-quality workmanship and growth throughout his apprenticeship. He has been touted as a future leader in the industry.
Skill Hire CEO, Ben Dahlstrom, said the night offered an opportunity to acknowledge developing talent within the industry as well as the dedicated efforts of employers and training providers, “As we look to the future, it’s clear that the talent and expertise on display tonight will be instrumental in driving our industry forward, bringing innovative solutions, and shaping the construction landscape in Western Australia for years to come,” Mr Dahlstrom said.
The event was made possible by the support of sponsorship partners, including CBUS Super, Beyond Tools, CTF, DeWALT, EBM, AWCI, Brick & Block Careers, Bunzl Safety, Galvins Plumbing Supplies, Choice Building Products, Gentronics, PSQ Group, Wattyl Paints, Weld Australia, and Weldclass.
Full list of award winners below. Photos and interview grabs available.
CBUS Super, Skill Hire & NextGen Skills Construction Industry Training Awards Night Winners
CTF Construction Apprentice of the Year Award – winner: Banjo Duffett
EBM Insurance Construction Apprentice of the Year Award – runner-up: Lily Ferrie
Brick & Block Careers Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year: Brodie Gilduff
Beyond Tools Carpentry Apprentice of the Year: Banjo Duffett
Galvins Plumbing Supplies Plumbing Apprentice of the Year: Cody Morgani
Wattyl Painting Apprentice of the Year: Stella Zampogna
AWCI Australia Wall and Ceiling Apprentice of the Year: Ryder Wheatley
DeWALT Electrical Apprentice of the Year: Lily Ferrie
Weld Australia Boilermaker Welder Apprentice of the Year: Derek Guthrie
DeWALT Construction Host Employer of the Year Award: Civmec
Gentronics Construction Industry Collaboration Award: Civil Contractors Federation WA (CCF WA)
Weldclass Outstanding Construction Work, Health & Safety Initiative Award: Encubed
DeWALT Best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Construction Student Award: Shanarlah Pickett
Bunzl Safety Full-time Construction Pre-Apprentice of the Year Award: Dechlan Letchford
Choice Building Products – School-based Construction Pre-Apprentice of the Year Award: Molly Dyball
PSQ Group Secondary School Construction Engagement Award: John Forrest Secondary College
About Skill Hire and NextGen Skills
NextGen Skills and Skill Hire, both part of the IntoWork Group, are leading employment training agencies dedicated to providing high-quality training and recruitment solutions to the construction industry. With a focus on apprenticeships, traineeships, and vocational education, Skill Hire and NextGen Skills support individuals and businesses in achieving their career and operational goals.