The hard work of a 20-year-old carpenter has been recognised with the announcement of the Skillset Apprentice of the year award.
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Alex Thomas received an award from the Central West Country Women's Association to acknowledge his effort during his carpentry apprenticeship.
Employed through Skillset, Mr Thomas is a fourth-year apprentice at Orange City Council, where his responsibilities include maintenance on council buildings.
Skillset's Jacqui Sands said his performance on the job has been "exceptional" throughout the duration of his training.
"I make contact with each of the apprentices I work with once a month through face-to-face meeting and phone calls, I've never once had any negative feedback from Alex," she said.
"With TAFE too, he's never got any work or assignments outstanding and he's passed everything first time."
The CWA award will donate the takings from their Australian National Field Days tea rooms to the award winner.
Spokesperson for the CWA Christine Sampson said the winners are free to spend the money as they choose, although it's hoped it will go towards tools of their trade.
Skillset works with more than 200 apprentices across the region.
Ms Sands said there's currently a shortage of both apprentices and apprenticeships on offer.
"A lot of tradespeople are getting a bit older so it's hugely important we get new ones coming through," she said.
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