Builder’s apex

By Lia Bichel
A BERWICK resident who sold his house to fund a carpentry apprenticeship received a huge honour last week.
The Master Builders Association of Victoria named Bradley Chesterfield, 37, the state’s top metropolitan apprentice at the 2011 Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year awards.
Mr Chesterfield, who trained at the Murray Mallee Training Co and works for Weygang Construction Pty Ltd, was sheet metal worker for 10 years before he decided to follow his dream.
“I bought a house when I was 18 and became a sheet metal worker to pay off the house,” he said.
“Before long, 10 years had passed. I always wanted to be a carpenter, so I decided to sell my house to fuel my dream.”
The father of two said it was a difficult decision to sell the house he had so many memories in, adding that he was glad about the decision.
“My wife was very supportive, and I am very passionate about what I do,” Mr Chesterfield said.
“As a kid I always enjoyed making things of wood and I think you have to be good at what you do and get enjoyment from it.”
Master Builders Association of Victoria executive director Brian Welch said Mr Chesterfield had sacrificed a lot for his trade.
“Mr Chesterfield showed a lot of persistence to achieve his goal of becoming a carpenter and now has plans to become a registered builder,” Mr Welch said.
“These awards are an integral part of the Master Builders Award program. The Master Builders Association of Victoria’s Apprentice of the Year Awards applaud the outstanding achievements of Victorian apprentices in the building and construction industry.
“These apprentices are the future of our industry, and we must encourage and reward them for their efforts. All the award winners are extremely deserving of this accolade and represent the future leaders of our industry.”
The other major award winners were Menzies Creek resident Devin Grant who won the Apprentice of the Year award and Joshua Small who won Regional Apprentice of the Year.