Held on Friday night, the awards showcased outstanding apprentices from across the State, with Sam Hegney taking out the industry's highest individual honour as the 2026 HIA-Stratco WA Peter Stannard Apprentice of the Year.

A 3rd year carpentry apprentice, Sam is employed by Woodleigh Home Improvements and has established himself as an exceptional carpenter, earning a reputation for professionalism, reliability and outstanding workmanship. Throughout his apprenticeship he has consistently exceeded expectations, progressing from assisting on projects to leading complex residential renovations and mentoring junior team members. His commitment to continuous learning is reflected in his decision to undertake a Diploma of Building and Construction as he works towards becoming a registered builder.

HIA WA Executive Director Michael McGowan said Sam's achievements demonstrated the incredible opportunities available to those choosing a career in residential construction.
"Sam represents everything our industry values in future leaders—skilled, committed, safety-conscious and eager to grow. He is an outstanding example of where an apprenticeship can take you.

"An apprenticeship is far more than learning a trade. It provides the opportunity to earn while you learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications without accumulating university debt, and build a rewarding career in an industry that offers variety, security and genuine pathways for advancement."

Mr McGowan said residential building offered opportunities well beyond becoming a qualified tradesperson.

"Many of today's successful builders, business owners, supervisors and construction managers all started as apprentices. The skills developed on the tools create a foundation for careers in site management, estimating, project management, business ownership and specialist contracting.

"Whether your ambition is to build award-winning homes, run your own company or manage large construction projects, an apprenticeship provides the practical experience and technical knowledge to make those goals achievable."

Recognising excellence across every stage

The annual awards recognise apprentices who demonstrate exceptional workmanship, commitment and leadership throughout their training.

This year's recipients included:

• 1st Year Apprentice of the Year – Sabit Maper (bricklayer), employed by ABN Training and hosted by Gary Wortley. Sabit's exceptional work ethic and commitment to learning also earned him the Judges Excellence in Endeavour Award.
• 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year – Chloe Robertson (bricklayer), employed by ABN Training and hosted by MNC Bricklaying, recognised for her initiative, professionalism and ambition to one day establish her own business.
• 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year – Sam Hegney (carpenter), Woodleigh Home Improvements.
• 4th Year Apprentice of the Year – Rocco Groves (carpenter), employed by HIA and hosted by APEX WA Carpentry Solutions, recognised for his commitment to quality workmanship and continuous improvement.
• Judges High Commendation Award – Aref Babaie, employed by ABN Training and hosted by AM & FM Bricklaying, recognised for his outstanding initiative, work ethic and leadership potential.

The 2026 HIA WA Apprentice Host Trainer Award was presented to Jethro Urwin from APEX WA Carpentry Solutions for his commitment to developing apprentices into confident, capable tradespeople.

"Jethro's dedication to creating a workplace where apprentices can learn, grow and succeed sets a high benchmark for trainers across Western Australia," Mr McGowan said.

A career with opportunity

Mr McGowan said the awards come at an important time for the residential building industry, which continues to require more skilled workers to meet strong housing demand across Western Australia.

"The residential building industry is one of the State's largest employers and offers long-term career opportunities for people who enjoy practical work, problem solving and seeing tangible results at the end of each day.

"Unlike many career pathways, apprentices begin earning an income from day one while developing skills that will remain in demand throughout their working lives. As they gain experience, many progress into supervisory roles, establish their own successful businesses or specialise in high-demand trades.

"The lifestyle opportunities are equally attractive. Skilled tradespeople enjoy diverse work, the satisfaction of building homes for Western Australian families, and the flexibility that comes with highly transferable skills."

As the peak body for residential building, HIA is a Group Training Organisation (GTO) employing and supporting apprentices as they build a career in the industry and help alleviate the shortage of construction trades in Western Australia.

"HIA has recently welcomed another 20 apprentices into the industry, providing them with secure employment, structured training and the opportunity to gain experience with quality host builders across the State.

"These young people are the future of our industry and will play an essential role in delivering the homes Western Australians need over the coming decades."

Mr McGowan said with a strong pipeline of residential building work, continued government support and increasing demand for skilled trades, there had never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship.

"Our industry isn't just building homes—it's building careers, businesses and communities.

"Whether you're a school leaver, someone looking for a career change or a mature-age entrant wanting a practical and rewarding profession, residential construction offers exceptional opportunities.

"HIA is proud to support apprentices every step of their journey and congratulates all of this year's award winners for the outstanding contribution they are already making to Western Australia's building industry."

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