Apprentices from all over Australia were considered for the national award which follows the presentation of quarterly awards throughout 2002/03.

Apprentice Jayson Wilson, who attends the Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE in regional Victoria, won the award for his outstanding workmanship, enthusiasm and work ethic.

As well as a trophy, Jayson Wilson will receive an LGe 59cm FLATRON flatscreen TV and an LGe DVD home theatre system.

Jayson is employed by Bendigo-based Peter Carr Plumbing Pty Ltd, which carries out general plumbing, gas fitting and roof plumbing on homes for a number of recognised builders in the Bendigo area, particularly Macquarie Homes.

Through his TAFE course and on-the-job training, Jayson has worked extensively on erecting roofing, gutters and downpipes made from COLORBOND® steel.

His proven quality work, noted enthusiasm and glowing references from both TAFE and his employer contributed to Jayson's win in the 2002/03 National COLORBOND® steel Building Apprentice of the Year award.

"Since coming onboard in early 2001, Jayson has proven himself to be a hard worker who is enthusiastic, punctual and pays attention to detail," said manager Ian Smith.

"His work is always first class and he quickly grasps new concepts and skills needed for the job."

Head of Study at the Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE, Gary Bath, describes Jayson - who is already well ahead of schedule in the TAFE's self-paced work environment - as a student who excels in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the trade.

"Jayson has shown a commitment to his study that should be an example to apprentices these days," Mr Bath said. "I have no doubt he will continue to achieve high results in the rest of his apprenticeship and will go on to become the kind of tradesman who will carry the plumbing trade into the future."

Jayson Wilson was nominated for the award by Ian Smith, his manager during his 18 months at Peter Carr Plumbing.

"It was Ian who suggested I enter the award, but I never thought I would win," Jayson said. "I was pretty wrapped with winning the award, and all my workmates are just as thrilled as I am."

BHP Steel, which runs the COLORBOND® Steel Building Apprentice of the Year award, invites all apprentices - even those previously unsuccessful - to enter the 2003/2004 award.

Any building apprentice who works with or studies light steel framing, steel cladding, roofing or guttering anywhere in Australia during the 2003/04 financial year is eligible to enter.

"The COLORBOND® steel Building Apprentice of the Year Award provides an opportunity to recognise outstanding young apprentices within the building industry," said BHP Steel marketing manager David Bare.

"It provides incentive for apprentices, recognising efforts in the classroom and on-the-job skills, enthusiasm and work ethic.

"The award recognises the increasing role which steel building products are playing in Australia's thriving construction industry, fostering the skills of young apprentices that will be needed to carry the sector into the future."

For more information about the COLORBOND® steel Building Apprentice of the Year award for 2003/2004 visit <www.colorbond.com>