{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationFourth year carpentry apprentice Ersin Elmas named 2024 HIA Victorian Apprentice of the Year
Fourth year carpentry apprentice Ersin Elmas named 2024 HIA Victorian Apprentice of the Year
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
Ersin Elmas, a fourth year carpentry apprentice with Lonsdale Building Group, has won the prestigious HIA Alec Fuller Victorian Apprentice of the Year award.
A passion for working with his hands and creating things from scratch led Ersin to begin his apprenticeship, and he has gone from strength to strength in the intervening years. He now takes responsibility for a wide range of tasks on site, from reading and interpreting plans and ordering materials through to framing and finishing carpentry.
Ersin impressed both the judges and his host employer with his commendable work ethic and wide range of skills.
“Ersin describes starting his apprenticeship as one of the best decisions he’s ever made, and our judges are in clear agreement with him,” says HIA Victoria Executive Director Keith Ryan.
“He has displayed great talent as well as dedication to his craft, and he has a very bright future in the residential building industry.”
On his way to being named apprentice of the year, Ersin won the fourth year carpentry category.
HIA warmly congratulates the award winners and finalists on the night:
- Alec Fuller Victorian Apprentice of the Year winner Ersin Elmas of Lonsdale Building Group. Finalists: David Lillie of Lonsdale Building Group, Jade Egan of Supreme Green Landscaping, Jessica Herrod and Paige Hunter of Eric Jones Stairbuilding Group, Riley Clifford of Gant Builders and Taleisha Rech-Ellery of HIA Apprentice host B&D Builders.
- Ersin Elmas won the fourth year capentry award. Finalists: Christopher Mason of HIA Apprentice host Constructive Interior Finishes, Daniel Connor of Coastyle Building Solutions, Dannii Jennings of Proud Projects - highly commended, Ethan Lowe of Axess Building & Construction, Jack Kennett of Gant Builders - highly commended, Jaymes Ireland of Noy Builders and Samuel Rizzo of One Zero Create & Construct.
- Riley Clifford of Gant Builders won the third year carpentry award.
- Jessica Herrod of Eric Jones Stairbuilding Group won the third year joinery award. Finalist Natarsha Wollensack of Eric Jones Stairbuilding Group.
- Campbell Eastwood, a second year carpentry apprentice with HIA Apprentices, hosted by VPM, won the HIA Judges Rising Star award.
- David Lillie of Lonsdale Building Group won the second year carpentry award. Finalists: Campbell Eastwood of HIA Apprentices host VPM and Thomas Wells of HIA Apprentices host Restored Building Company.
- Paige Hunter of Eric Jones Stairbuilding Group won the second year joinery award.
- Jade Egan of Supreme Green Landscaping won the second year landscape construction award.
- Taleisha Rech-Ellery of HIA Apprentices, host B&D Builders, won the first year carpentry award.
“The HIA Awards showcase the best of the best in the residential building industry, and the outstanding quality of work undertaken by HIA members. They are also a celebration of the future of Victoria’s vitally important residential building industry.
“The outstanding calibre of apprentices recognised at the 2024 HIA-Stratco Victorian Apprentice Awards shows that future is very bright,” concludes Mr Ryan.
The HIA Alec Fuller Victorian Apprentice of the Year award is named in honour of Alec Fuller, a past President of HIA and passionate supporter of apprentices in the residential building industry.
HIA thanks its apprentice awards partners Stratco, AEG Onsite Trade Solutions and HIA Insurance Services.
Please contact the HIA Victorian Events team on 03 9280 8200 or email VIC_events@hia.com.au for an interview or request high resolution images.
For more information please contact:
Interest rate rise risks worsening housing shortage
The Housing Industry Association’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon, said the Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest decision to increase interest rates reflects the ongoing challenge of bringing inflation under control, but warned that higher rates will further restrict the supply of new homes.
HIA: First home grants supporting new builds and local jobs
Standing on a construction site with work well underway, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Tasmania today joined Treasurer Eric Abetz MP in welcoming the impact of the Tasmanian Government’s First Home Owner Grant, recently tripled to $30,000, which is already helping more Tasmanians build their first home.
Climate Change and Natural Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy – Explanation of Intended Effect
HIA commented on the Climate Change and Natural Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy Explanation of Intended Effect (February 2026), a submission to NSW Government.
New trust rules could change how subcontractors get paid on Government jobs
A proposed WA law aims to scrap Project Bank Accounts and introduce automatic construction trusts for State Government projects over $1.5 million. The reforms promise simpler payment processes - but also tougher, ongoing financial scrutiny for builders. Here’s what it could mean for your business.