Each year, HIA, in partnership with Toyota National Fleet, offers apprentices the chance to win an unforgettable AFL experience, in recognition of their dedication to their trade and commitment to their apprenticeship.

This year, the lucky winner was Perth-based carpentry apprentice Jesse Tatam, who was nominated by his host trainer and HIA member Michael Morris, owner of Woodleigh Home Improvements. The prize included two Corporate Box tickets to the Geelong vs Essendon clash at the MCG on June 14, plus two return flights to Melbourne and one night’s accommodation.

‘I thought it was a joke, to be honest,’ Jesse says of the moment he found out he’d won. ‘But yeah, I was super excited, it was awesome!’

Jesse took his girlfriend, Saskia, as his guest, and the pair were joined by Renee Pasternak, Toyota’s Senior National Fleet Mobility Account Manager; HIA Chief Executive Business Services, Fiona Nield, and HIA Apprentices General Manager, Lisa Ebert. This was an extraordinarily special opportunity, and the crew were really pleased to be part of it.

It was an incredible weekend, with Jesse describing the atmosphere at the MCG as electric. ‘It’s the first footy game that I've been to, something like 50,000 people there, the atmosphere was awesome, and it was just a great game to watch. The view, watching from where I was, you don't get that very often,’ he says.

The Ultimate ALF Experience competition is just one of the ways Toyota is helping HIA to support the future of our industry. ‘Building and construction apprentices are crucial to the ongoing success of our nation,’ says a spokesperson from Toyota. ‘This competition acknowledges and celebrates the next generation of housing professionals by giving them moments of joy and lasting memories.’

While Jesse is in the third year of his carpentry apprenticeship, he is also a qualified electrician and refrigeration mechanic. As someone who has always enjoyed working with timber, his goal is to ‘buy my own house and renovate it or possibly build it’. He’s been part of the Woodleigh Home Improvements team for about eighteen months and is a true inspiration to the next generation of tradespeople.

‘You can tell he’s passionate about what he does,’ says host trainer Michael Morris. ‘He’s just a great learner. Sometimes that is hard to find, so having apprentices that are genuinely interested in what they do is such a big thing.’

Michael has hosted many apprentices over the years (including Justin Williams, who won HIA-Stratco WA Peter Stannard Apprentice of the Year in 2023). He says that seeing their skills, knowledge, and confidence grow is ‘one of the best parts of the job’.

‘That’s why we take on apprentices,’ he adds. ‘Seeing their development throughout the years is something that you could be just as proud of as seeing a house go up.’

There has never been a more crucial time to nurture new talent in the housing industry. While the federal government has set a target of 1.2 million new homes built in the next five years, HIA’s latest Trades Report reveals that a shortage of skilled trades is impacting every market in Australia.

‘We need qualified people out there to do the work,’ Michael says. ‘If we don't have that, then the prices keep going up, and jobs don't get completed. Training people in these areas is very, very important.’

As part of our ongoing commitment to encouraging and celebrating apprentices, HIA is proud to champion opportunities that recognise their talent, hard work and contribution to the industry, and Toyota is a valuable support in our efforts to build the workforce.

According to Renee Pasternak, Toyota’s Senior National Fleet Mobility Account Manager - National Sales, Toyota is passionately behind the builders of tomorrow, ‘At Toyota, we believe apprentices aren’t just learning a trade—they’re building the future of our country. Their commitment, drive, and hard work deserve to be recognised and celebrated.’

‘We’re proud to support initiatives that not only reward their achievements but also encourage them to stay the course, grow in their careers, and see the long-term value of the skills they’re developing,’ Renee says. ‘Businesses across all industries have a role to play in supporting and nurturing young talent—because investing in our future workforce is investing in the strength and sustainability of our communities.’

HIA’s General Manager of Apprentices, Lisa Ebert added that HIA’s Group Apprentice Scheme does just that – it provides apprenticeships and opportunities for those wanting to pursue a career in a trade. We’re really proud to be supporting the future of our industry by providing the next generation into the homebuilding industry with quality host trainers and skills that the national desperately requires.

HIA members are eligible for fleet discounts across a wide range of vehicles. To learn more, go to: Toyota Association Fleet Discount.

Are you interested in starting your career as an apprentice with HIA, expanding your team or learning more about training or government funding? Learn more at HIA Careers and Learning.

First published on 25 July 2025.