Construcciones Yamaro: Ballarat carpentry apprentice donates tools to peers
A 19-year-old carpentry apprentice from Ballarat has donated thousands of dollars’ worth of new tools to support fellow apprentices doing it tough.
Oscar Cherry received two tool packs valued at about $2,000 in total and an $800 clothing voucher after winning Regional Apprentice of the Year (Junior Apprentice) and MBV Apprentice of the Year (Junior Trades) at this year’s Master Builders Victoria Awards.
Instead of keeping the prizes, Cherry divided them among apprentices nominated by Victorian training providers. He also added some of his own hand tools to the packs.
“I understand how tough it can be for many young apprentices,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible support from my family, friends and trainers, and I wanted to give back by sharing that support with others who may not have the same opportunities.”
The first tool pack was presented in Ballarat to Shannon Griffiths, a carpentry apprentice employed by Pyrenees Building Group.
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The second tool pack was presented to third-year landscape construction apprentice Breanna McLure from Box Hill Institute, while Rivali Brown, who is completing a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at Holmesglen, received the $800 ELWD Workwear voucher.
Master Builders Victoria chief of public affairs Dr Corrie Williams says she is deeply touched by Cherry’s selflessness and generosity, describing his actions as a powerful reflection of the values that underpin the building and construction industry.
“Oscar’s commitment to helping others succeed is truly inspiring and sets a remarkable example for the next generation of tradies,” she says. “His willingness to give back and support emerging talent not only changes individual lives but helps shape a more connected and resilient sector for the future.”
Williams says apprentice wages typically range from $640 to $1,100 a week, compared with an average full-time income of $1,300 a week for entry-level workers.
“Everything is going up – rents, mortgages, food, fuel and tools for their trade – so for some, it is just unaffordable to do an apprenticeship. This financial strain is forcing too many young people to abandon their trade career ambitions,” she says.
“MBV is also calling for stronger support to help people enter construction careers earlier, including expanded school-based apprenticeships, enhanced vocational programs and clearer trade pathways for secondary students. We are also advocating for a HELP-style loan system to support mature-age apprentices, enabling workers to transition into trades with the financial backing they need.”
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