Mark Horsburgh of Dubbo, New South Wales completed his apprenticeship with Custom Steel and completed the carpentry course at the Dubbo Campus of the Western Institute of TAFE NSW.

Mark has won an LGe Standard DVD Player with MP3 CD playback, valued at more than $300, plus a certificate of his achievement.

Mark was judged the best entrant for the second phase of the competition based on his experience working with steel and his personality.

The nomination puts Mark in the running to win the overall 2002/2003 COLORBOND® steel Building Apprentice of the Year competition.

BHP Steel conducts the award to recognise young people in the building industry and offers a trophy, an LGe 59cm FLATRON flatscreen TV and an LGe DVD home theatre system valued at more than $2000 for the national winner.

Mr Horsburgh was nominated by his employer Arthur Hosking because he showed an instinctive affinity with domestic and commercial steel building applications.
"I'm really pleased to have won because I enjoy my work with steel building materials," Mark said.
Custom Steel Frames managing director Arthur Hosking said Mark's style and enthusiasm had inspired his workmates.

"Our faith in his leadership abilities resulted in his promotion to his current role as evening factory shift supervisor," he said.

"He has completed his apprenticeship with Custom Steel over the last three years - we're proud he has been nominated in the COLORBOND® steel Building Apprentice of the Year award."

TAFE teacher Mike Greer said Mark had emerged as a leader from his studies in construction.

"Mark's enthusiasm and ability to relate to others has seen him become a leader within a group, rather than a follower," Mr Greer said.

The COLORBOND® steel Building Apprentice of the Year award is open to all building apprentices who have worked with or studied light steel framing, steel cladding, roofing or guttering anywhere in Australia during the 2002/2003 financial year.

For more information, conditions and an entry form for the awards, visit www.colorbond.com or email BHP Steel marketing communications supervisor Sarah Najdek, on sarah.najdek@bhpsteel.com.