By NICOLE VALICEK
IT TOOK Altona resident Liam Gardiner a few occupations to find the right fit for him but now he has been rewarded for the fruits of his labor.
Mr Gardiner, now 31, was recently recognised as the best Apprentice Carpenter of the Year in Victoria by the Master Builders’ Association of Victoria at the Master Builders’ Apprentice of the Year Awards.
Coming from a hospitality background, Mr Gardiner also tried his luck at playing football in the VFL, but it was a chance encounter which led him to discover his passion for carpentry.
“I worked nights so I started working during the day labouring and really enjoyed it and just went from there,” he said.
“I get lots of satisfaction out of building something, people enjoy what I do and what I build for them and it gives me a nice feeling,” he said.
Mr Gardiner began a mature-aged apprenticeship in carpentry and spent four years learning the skills of his labor, and can now take on a multitude of tasks.
“Which is good because you don’t limit yourself every day, you’ve got a new challenge and something different to do,” he said.
“You’re constantly going to different jobs at different locations.”
He is now a quality tradesman running his own business working towards his end goal of being a registered builder.
Master Builders executive director Brian Welch said that those awarded exemplified the skills, work ethic and positive attitude required to be a successful tradesperson in the building and construction industry.
Mr Gardiner said it was rewarding to be recognised for his work.
“It’s nice to be recognised, a lot of hard work goes into it and I know there is a lot of skilled apprentices, to be named best in Victoria was quite an honour.”
