{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Support & guidance Ask an expert Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2026 Australian Home of the Year Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Building Futures SA Top Apprentices Honoured at 2025 HIA Apprentice Awards

Media release

Building Futures SA Top Apprentices Honoured at 2025 HIA Apprentice Awards

Media release
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has proudly recognised South Australia’s most promising young talent at the 2025 HIA South Australian Apprentice Awards, held at the National Wine Centre of Australia in Adelaide on Friday night.

The event highlighted the dedication, skill and bright future of the state’s next generation of tradespeople.

Winners were announced across five categories — from first through to fourth year, along with the Training in Excellence Award — with each recipient now progressing as a finalist for the 2025 HIA South Australian Apprentice of the Year, to be announced at the HIA SA Housing Awards later this year.

2025 Apprentice Award Winners

  • First Year Apprentice of the Year – Eliza Wegner
    Partnered by Stratco
    Employed by HIA Apprentices and hosted by Steel Frame Erectors, Eliza began her carpentry apprenticeship during her SACE studies, balancing school and hands-on experience. Inspired by her father’s career, she is already pursuing her Certificate IV in Building and Construction, showing leadership, adaptability and a strong commitment to her trade.
  • Second Year Apprentice of the Year – William May
    Partnered by ATEC
    Employed and hosted by Yorke Building Co, William has stood out as a hardworking and enthusiastic apprentice. His eagerness to learn, adaptability and technical ability make him a highly valued team member with a promising career ahead.
  • Third Year Apprentice of the Year – Angus McKay
    Partnered by MAS National
    Employed and hosted by Broadway Building Co, Angus brings prior experience from a completed landscape construction apprenticeship. With precision, professionalism and a commitment to continuous improvement, he has set a benchmark of excellence for his peers.
  • Fourth Year Apprentice of the Year – Ben Colliver
    Partnered by HIA Insurance Services
    Employed and hosted by Yorke Building Co, Ben has excelled across all aspects of carpentry and general building. His strong work ethic, reliability and initiative on-site have earned him high praise and respect from colleagues and supervisors alike.
  • Training in Excellence Award – Jesse Slager
    Partnered by TAFE SA

    Employed by HIA Apprentices and hosted by B & B Burnett, Jesse has demonstrated outstanding commitment and initiative. Alongside his Certificate III in Carpentry, he has undertaken additional contracting training, showcasing his drive to continually expand his skills and contribute to the industry.

“These winners represent the skill, determination and leadership qualities that will shape the future of South Australia’s construction industry,” said HIA South Australian Executive Director, Stephen Knight. 

“Each has shown the commitment and resilience that makes our trade workforce so highly regarded. Their stories remind us that apprenticeships are not just a pathway into the building industry — they are a springboard to leadership, business ownership, and lifelong careers.

“HIA is proud to support them as they continue their journey, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements again as finalists for Apprentice of the Year at our Housing Awards later this year.”

The HIA South Australian Apprentice Awards are an important showcase of the career pathways and opportunities available through apprenticeships in the construction sector.
Images and further comments available upon request.

View all award winners

For more information please contact:

Stephen Knight

Executive Director - South Australia
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
24 Aug
Queensland building leader Jodie McKenna crowned HIA Building Woman of the Year

Queensland’s home building industry gathered in celebration as the 12th annual HIA Queensland Building Women Awards honoured outstanding achievement, leadership and influence, shining a spotlight on the remarkable contribution women are making to building more homes across the state.

24 Aug
Regional housing must be a top priority for Victoria's next Government

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) will bring together industry leaders, businesses, community representatives and policymakers in Ballarat on Tuesday for a regional housing roundtable focused on the critical role housing will play in supporting the future growth and prosperity of regional Victoria.

21 Aug
Preventing Pipe Failure Starts Below Ground

The HIA has been advised that due to an increase of plumbing audit inspection failures, from the 1st of September, the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) will be further policing non-compliance in the installation of sanitary plumbing and drainage pipework, namely the bedding of sanitary drainage pipes.

21 Aug
Senate Inquiry must focus on delivering more housing, not more reports

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the establishment of the Senate Economics References Committee Inquiry into social housing, describing it as an important opportunity to identify the reforms needed to deliver more housing of all forms at scale and address the bottlenecks holding back housing supply broadly.