2026 Skill Hire Construction Apprentice
Training & Employment Awards
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
Awards Gala Dinner
Saturday 8 August, 2026
Crown Astral – Perth
About the Awards
Each year, NextGen Skills and Skill Hire recognise the achievements of apprentices, trainees, and host employers across Western Australia’s construction industries.
By nominating for these awards, you have the opportunity to showcase your skills and be recognised by peers and leaders in your sector.
Join us in celebrating the next generation of skilled apprentices and employers shaping WA’s future – submit your nomination today!
Apprentice of the Year
Nominations are now closed.
Applications closed Friday, 27 February 2026
- 2026 Boilermaking/Welding Apprentice of the Year Award – Applications now closed
- 2026 Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year Award – Apply Now
- 2026 Carpentry Apprentice of the Year Award – Applications now closed
- 2026 Electrical Apprentice of the Year Award – Applications now closed
- 2026 Painting Apprentice of the Year Award – Applications now closed
- 2026 Wall and Ceiling Apprentice of the Year Award – Apply Now
- 2026 Plumbing Apprentice of the Year Award – Applications now closed
Other Award Categories
Nominations for the following award categories are open now:
2026 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Construction Student of the Year Award – Apply Now!
2026 Women in Construction Award – Apply Now!
2026 School-based Construction Pre-Apprentice of the Year Award – Apply Now!
2026 Secondary School Construction Engagement Award – Apply Now!
2026 Construction Work Experience Host Employer of the Year Award – Apply Now!
2026 Full-time Construction Pre-Apprentice of the Year Award – Apply Now!
2026 Construction Pre-Apprentice Host Employer of the Year Award – Apply Now!
2026 Construction Apprentice Host Employer of the Year Award – Apply Now!
2026 Construction Industry Collaboration Award – Apply Now!
Please submit your applications by COB Friday 5th June 2026 to [email protected]
Keen to test your skills against the best in WA?
All trade winners will automatically be entered to win the prestigious title of
2026 Construction Apprentice of the Year!
Great prizes up for grabs, from DeWALT toolkits to cash prizes!
What happens after my nomination?
All shortlisted nominees will be invited to our Awards Gala Night being held on 8 August 2026
Plumbing
Open to 4th Year apprentices
✓
Submit Nomination Form By 27 February 2026
✓
Complete an online assessment 17 March 2026
✓
Attend Interview 23 – 25 March 2026
✓
Attend Competition Day 16 April 2026 Skill Hire Forrestfield Campus
Bricklaying | Carpentry
Open to all apprentices, 1st – 4th Year
✓
Submit Nomination Form By 27 February 2026
✓
Attend Competition Day 16 April 2026 Skill Hire Forrestfield Campus
Painting
Open to all apprentices, 1st – 4th Year Please note – this will be combined with WorldSkills
✓
Submit Nomination Form By 27 February 2026
✓
Attend Competition Day 16 April 2026 Skill Hire Forrestfield Campus
Boilermaking & Welding | Electrical
Open to all apprentices, 1st – 4th Year
✓
Submit Nomination Form By 27 February 2026
Thanks to all our sponsors for making these events possible.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
When do applications open for all the above awards?
Applications are now open for the 2026 Apprentice of the Year Competitions across all individual trades. Each trade winner will have the chance to compete for the prestigious title of 2026 Construction Apprentice of the Year. The other award applications i.e. Construction Host Employer of the Year, will open shortly very soon and we will advise when they become available.
For the Apprentice of the Year awards – is it only open to fourth year apprentices?
The 2026 Apprentice of the Year competition is open for:
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- Plumbing – is open for fourth year apprentices between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026. If you finish your apprenticeship in 2026 you will still be eligible. If you are a third year apprentice, but will be a fourth year in 2026 you are also eligible. This criteria is strict for the Plumbing awards
- All Other Trades – All apprentices are encouraged to apply to compete against their peers within their trade. This is open yo all apprentices, including those who are scheduled to complete their apprentices in 2026 or beyond.
I am a Bricklayer, Carpentry, Painting or Plumbing apprentice but not free on the dates listed – can I still apply?
If you are not available to attend the competition day on Thursday 16th April, unfortunately you are unable to apply. The online assessment required for the Plumbing awards on the 17th March can be completed anywhere on your computer. It needs to be a laptop or desktop, not on the phone. The interview is w/c 23rd March and ideally should be completed in person, however, if candidates are unable to attend in person, there will be some flexibility offered if necessary, and can arrange a Teams interview as a last resort.
I would like to enquire about sponsorship
If you would like to enquire about our sponsorship packages for the Awards Gala please contact Petra Wouters via email at [email protected]
What do I wear to the Gala Awards night?
The event will be formal (i.e. jackets for guys, long dresses for women) 
