The award recognises the top apprentice in the final year of the carpentry and joinery course at the South West College of TAFE, Bunbury, leading to completion of the builder’s registration course.

The prestigious award has had many notable winners over its 35-year history, including that of prominent Bunbury builder Daniel Perkins, of Perkins Builders, who won the award in 1985.

Mr Pearce signed on to do his apprenticeship with local builder Tony Scardetta, after completing high school at Narrogin Senior High School.

He was the then accepted to the South West College of TAFE at Bunbury, where he completed the theoretical part of his training.

“It was an honour to receive the award, especially given the previous recipients,” Mr Pearce said.

During his acceptance speech, Mr Pearce thanked his employer Tony Scardetta and the lecturers at TAFE.

“It’s great for such a young man to get this kind of award; he’s a great kid,” Mr Scardetta said.

Mr Pearce intends to finish his apprenticeship during 2012 and then continue on to his builder’s registration, which will take a further seven years to complete.

In the meantime, he will be busy spending the $500 Bunnings voucher that came with his award.