Mr Mumberson was crowned the best Brick and Blocklaying Apprentice in the Central West at the awards, which are staged by Masonry Contractors Australia as part of their mission to improve the quality, reliability and integrity of the industry.

Mr Mumberson, who is studying a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying at TAFE NSW Bathurst and works at Roy Wotton Bricklaying, Bathurst, was over the moon with the result.

“I was really shocked to hear that I had won this award and I feel honoured to be named as one of the best brick and blocklaying apprentices in NSW,” he said.

“This award will give me the motivation to keep learning all that I can to improve my skills and make a good career from this industry.”

Mr Mumberson was nominated for the award by TAFE NSW Bathurst Brick and Blocklaying teacher Peter Moore

“Josh has got a really positive attitude towards his work – it’s a great quality to have in our industry,” Mr Moore said.

“Everything that Josh does is of the highest quality. He’s talented and a hard worker and I see Josh having a really bright, long-term future and becoming an asset to our industry.”

TAFE NSW’s Head of SkillsPoint Infrastructure, Energy and Construction, Chris Pracy, said Mr Mumberson was one of  eight TAFE NSW brick and blocklaying apprentices to receive excellence awards.

“I’m proud of the level of quality demonstrated by these apprentices – it’s a testament to their commitment and support provided to them,” he said.