“Jack is polite and has a long career in the building trade,” added Dunn’s boss Shane Ridgeway, owner of Nelson Bay-based SLR Building.

Dunn’s talents were recognised on October 13 when he was named Apprentice of the Year at the HIA-CSR Hunter Housing Awards held in Newcastle.

The awards acknowledge the talent of builders, contractors, designers and manufacturers who plan and construct quality homes, renovations, kitchens and bathrooms.

A third-year apprentice carpenter studying at Belmont TAFE, the 21-year-old Dunn said he was encouraged to enter the trade by teachers where he attended school in Albury.

“I was very lucky in that sense ... my teachers encouraged me in the woodworking field,” he said.

“The great thing about carpentry is that you get to work mostly outdoors in a different environment and you are constantly meeting new people. There’s also an element of self-satisfaction once a job is finished.”

Dunn paid tribute to his employer Shane Ridgeway, who established his renovation business in the Bay six years ago. “I am very proud of Jack, he’s a deserved winner.”

Dunn will go on to compete against apprentices from across the country at the national awards to be held in May next year.