Both finishing their formal qualifications last year, Launceston-based pair Adam Gelston and Matt Bates are the state's top building apprentices for 2019.
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They took out the State Apprentice of the Year and Hands-On Skills Apprentice of the Year titles, respectively, at the Master Builders Tasmania Awards for Excellence in Hobart on Saturday night.
Fairbrother Construction's Mr Gelston qualified as a carpenter 15 months ago and since then has been trained as a leading hand with the construction company.
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He has worked on a variety of projects, including the St Helens District Hospital and a specialist clinic at Launceston General Hospital, in the past year.
"I've been stepping into a sub-foreman role and managing small bits and pieces," Mr Gelston said.
He had been selected as Fairbrother's 2018 apprentice, which led to his nomination in the Master Builders Tasmania Awards.
"I was invited to an interview with three people and was one of four finalists on the night," he said.
"Now my plan is to go through and take out the national award."
Closer to home, Mr Gelston is enjoying putting his skills to the test on different jobs with the large firm.
"I want to further my skills in the trade and get to know and understand the industry," he said.
"I take everything as it comes and I'll see where I end up."
The judging panel highlighted Mr Gelston's enthusiasm, confidence and experience, saying this gave him a "slight edge over the other apprentices".
"Adam learnt from an early age tinkering around in the shed with his dad, to be a good listener when being trained in new skills. This early childhood experience has shaped him into a respected teacher for new apprentices," the panel said.
Faulkner Building's former apprentice, now builder, Matthew Bates said working for a smaller company meant he trained on diverse projects.
Mr Bates was employed through the association's group training program and has been with the Launceston business for four years.
"There were 25 apprentices working around smaller builders [on the program]. We had different builders here with us and I learned a bit off all of them," he said.
With highlights including an award-winning unit complex on Westbury Road, a house at Relbia and a number of school projects, Mr Bates role ensures he gains a breadth of skills on projects of varying size.
"I am trained to do everything. Today I'm working on a barn, then tomorrow I might be at a house."
Young Builder of the Year was Matthew Barwirk, of Barwick Developments.
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