CRESWICK’s Jake Laidlaw is certainly building himself a bright future.
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The 21-year-old, who took out the Housing Industry Association Victorian Young Apprentice of the Year Award last November, has just gone on to win the nationals.
The national awards were held on Hamilton Island. Having just tied the knot with the love of his life, Mr Laidlaw doubled his national win with a honeymoon in paradise.
Mr Laidlaw works full-time for Chris Murphy Building in Ballarat – and for fun, has been in the process of renovating three homes.
He and his new wife have just moved into one of the homes in Creswick.
The fourth-year apprentice carpenter, who is about to become fully qualified, said he loved the satisfaction out of building things.
I like working outside. Being able to create something with your hands is very satisfying.
- Creswick apprentice carpenter Jake Laidlaw
He spends his day constructing houses, but also undertakes some light commercial work – concrete tool panels, concrete shed construction, and renovating commercial kitchens.
Mr Laidlaw and his employer have also recently finished working on Ballarat’s greyhound track and upgrading its bar.
“I enjoy the challenge of continuing to grow, and seeing the hard work you’ve put in and what you can create and the reward of achieving what you set out to achieve,” he said.
“(I enjoy) seeing new products and seeing the industry grow. I like working outside. Being able to create something with your hands is very satisfying.”
Mr Laidlaw was nominated for award by his boss Chris Murphy.
Mr Murphy had previously told The Advocate that in his 37 years in the building industry, Mr Laidlaw was the best apprentice he’d ever seen, saying he displayed maturity above his years.
Mr Laidlaw was then required to complete a self-evaluation before being shortlisted and sent off to an HIA judging committee, where two judges quizzed his general knowledge of the industry.
While Mr Laidlaw’s apprenticeship is due to finish this September next year, he has decided to stay on a while longer with his current job.
”I don’t like to look too far into the future but take each day as it comes,” he said.
“I see myself working for my employer for at least the next 12 months and then I’ll reassess.”
