Nathan Grant, DCOH shine for NT on national building stage

Jaytex Construction’s Nathan Grant was named apprentice of the year and DCOH won the national education facility award at Master Builders national titles held in Adelaide on Friday.

Winner of the James Bell NT apprentice of the year, Nathan has gone from being a first-year apprentice to leading hand and site foreman, and is now completing a diploma in building and construction.

Nathan’s boss, Jaytex owner Brett Dixon, was rapt at the win. “To take out the national award for apprentice of the year is a tremendous result for Nathan and Jaytex, placing the Territory Building Industry on the national map,” Mr Dixon said.

Master Builders NT president Jim Eadie said Mr Grant’s win reflected the strength and quality of the NT’s apprenticeship system. “This is not just a win for Nathan, it’s a win for the Northern Territory,” Mr Eadie said. “Our industry continues to punch well above its weight nationally, and Nathan’s success demonstrates the calibre of apprentices coming through MBNT’s training pathways and our members’ commitment to excellence.”

MBNT chief executive Sallyann Innes said Nathan’s victory also highlighted the importance of continued Commonwealth support for the NT construction industry through employer apprenticeship incentives. Master Builders NT has opposed a Commonwealth plan to cut apprentice subsidies from $5000 to $5000 from January 1.

“Nathan’s success could not come at a more important time for the Northern Territory,” Ms Innes said. “His achievement is a reminder of exactly what’s at stake if apprenticeship employer incentives are cut. “Territory builders are already under pressure, and without support, we risk losing the next generation of skilled tradies who help keep our industry and our economy moving – it is essential to sustaining our workforce, our businesses, and the Territory’s future growth.”