Jordan Whyte a first year apprentice with BGT and working at Ballarat Stone Cutting was announced the best first year apprentice Stonemason in Victoria last week at the Trowel Trades Awards Ceremony, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE.

“This is an outstanding achievement by Jordan and one that he should be rightfully proud of,” commented BGT Field Officer Don Hanlon.

Paul Trevenen, Managing Director at Ballarat Stone Cutting praised Jordan for his achievement and feels that it is through Jordan’s perseverance, the onsite training by staff at Ballarat Stone Cutting, his offsite training at Holmesglen TAFE and the strong support and mentoring by BGT that assisted Jordan in achieving this outstanding recognition.

Jordan Whyte is like a lot of other young Australians, when faced with making a career choice he found it difficult to identify just what it was that he wanted to do.

Jordan liked being creative and wanted to see something tangible for his efforts, he wanted to work with raw materials and turn them into something you could admire and be proud of. “I tried a few things, bricklaying amongst them,” said Jordan.

That not being quite what he was looking for he eventually found an opportunity in Stonemasonry through BGT who were engaged to recruit a new apprentice for Ballarat Stone Cutting.

“It can be difficult for young people to find their way into a career at 16, an age where responsibility for your career is in their hands. BGT can assist young people with advice on Career paths, Pre Apprenticeship options and Practical placement opportunities.’ commented Don Hanlon

“Jordan is proof that you can try a few things, and when you find something you are happy doing, you can do extremely well,” said Don

Several other young Victorian apprentices were awarded and are to be congratulated for their achievements in traditional trades such as plastering, wall & floor tiling, solid plastering, bricklaying and Heritage skills all with outstanding efforts in their chosen field of endeavour.

BGT congratulate Jordan for this outstanding achievement, congratulate Paul and his staff for their dedication to training and providing employment opportunities like this for young people and setting an example of what can be done if you are willing to persevere.

Jordan had his family in attendance at the Awards, he was also supported by his host employer Paul Trevenen of Ballarat Stone Cutting and BGT Field Officer Don Hanlon.

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Media contact: Don Hanlon 0437 688530