Numurkah apprentice Dale Cox is a state finalist for Master Builders Victoria’s Regional Apprentice of the Year.
Mr Cox, 22, is a carpentry apprentice with Rikys & Moylan Builders, and won his way to the state regional finals by being recognised as a north east regional award winner.
But the nomination caught him off guard.
“It’s a real honour to be in the running for the award,” Mr Cox said.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all, I’m just enjoying learning the trade and getting to work on some great projects with Rikys & Moylan.
“It's fortunate we’re a company that do a large mixture of everything, basic house renovations, new homes all the way to commercial.”
Glen Rikys from Rikys & Moylan has been impressed with Mr Cox and is proud to see him recognised.
“Dale has a great work ethic and has shown great skill as he learns the trade,” Mr Rikys said.
“He clearly has a great passion for what he’s doing and a hunger to learn, which is exactly what you want as a boss.
“He’s really a deserving winner of the regional award and it’s a feather in his cap and for our company to be representing the north-east of Victoria in the state awards.”
Usually Mr Cox would be heading to Melbourne for Master Builders Victoria’s gala awards night, however, with the event not being held in person this year, award winners will be announced online.
As winner of the North East Employer Nominated Apprentice of the Year Award, Mr Cox will receive prizes, such as tools, workwear and industry vouchers.
The state regional winner will receive an abundance of prizes, including a Bosch power tool pack, Irwin tools pack, Steel Blue boots voucher, ELWD clothing and a gorilla ladder.
Despite recently buying a house, Mr Cox has bigger plans for the future.
“There's a never-ending list of projects that have come out the new house, but who knows, one day I might build my own house,” he said.
Mr Cox said he would become a fully fledged builder in January and would continue with Tockys and Moiland.
“I’ll stay with Glen Rickys and give back and make the most of the opportunities to learn — they’re a great bunch of guys,” he said.