Host with the most

At this year’s HIA–CSR Australian Housing Awards, a new award was announced: the 2022 HIA Australian Apprentice Host Trainer award. This recognises HIA apprentice hosts for their significant contribution to the industry, namely developing an apprentice’s skills, building techniques, and safety management. Additionally, it identifies a host trainer’s encouragement as a vital aspect of an apprentice’s ability to succeed in the future.

At the gala awards night at the Gold Coast, Matthew Earl of Rossmark building designers in NSW was named the inaugural HIA Australian Apprentice Host Trainer, acknowledging his dedication to training tradespeople and builders of the future.

Matthew and his team – the construction manager and site leading hands – have been hosting HIA apprentices for several years. Apprentices gain experience across all aspects of the business and are kept up to date with industry changes, safety and regulation guidelines, and equipment requirements.

Winning this award is a testament to Matthew’s care and professionalism across every aspect of the job. ‘Choosing a winner of the HIA Apprentice Host Trainer Award is no easy task,’ says Jenny Haling, HIA manager of the awards program. ‘Judges look at how the host ensures apprentices gain broad experience and the skills needed for their trade,’ she says. ‘They also need to provide details on how they assist them with future career planning.’

‘Some of the questions we ask are: what does the host have in place to ensure the apprentice’s onsite safety? How does the host communicate industry changes to the apprentice, such as equipment requirements and regulations? How does the host encourage and develop the apprentice’s communication skills?’

Matthew is passionate about the industry and the benefits of training apprentices who can become experienced builders in time. At Rossmark, apprentices gain in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the industry – from excavation, wall framing and pitching a roof to internal fit-out. With a focus on safety, Rossmark mandates that all apprentices thoroughly understand requirements onsite. Once a month, apprentices visit each site with the safety officer to ensure they are compliant, safe and productive. 

Rossmark was established in 1975 and is located in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire with a unique advantage. Both the designer and builder ensure their building projects are affordable and meet the brief and budget. 

As general manager of Rossmark, Matthew makes sure apprentices work with a professional team, combining industry experience exceeding 100 years. Weekly toolbox talks and conversations with peers ensure apprentices feel confident to ask questions and are supported in their learning.

‘He embraces the corporate culture at Rossmark and is a very worthy recipient of this inaugural award,’ says Jenny Haling. ‘By bringing passion, care and understanding to the training of apprentices, he’s actively ensuring the long-term success of his apprentices, his company and our industry.’ 

HIA Australian Apprentice Host Trainer award

Keen to apply for the next HIA Australian Apprentice Host Trainer award? This award puts the spotlight on apprentice hosts and the important contribution they make to Australian apprentices. 

This award recognises the host of an HIA apprentice for their:

• significant contribution to developing an apprentice’s onsite skills
• knowledge of building techniques
• encouragement of apprentices to succeed in the future.

The award also recognises the importance of safety management on worksites and the resulting wellbeing role of a host trainer when mentoring an apprentice.

Enter this award today for the chance to recognise an apprentice host trainer’s skills, dedication and professionalism. 

Visit the Awards page.
Entries close Monday 20 June 2022