Victoria

    On Friday 27th March, NECA Education & Careers celebrated the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, and employers at the 2025 Annual Awards

    The event brought together industry leaders, educators, employers and emerging talent from both Victoria and Tasmania, the evening was a reflection of the strength, capability and future of the electrical, communications and aligned industries. With a strong sense of pride and community in the room, the event highlighted the critical role that training, mentorship and collaboration play in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals across both states.

    The evening began in the Percy Beames Bar, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where guests gathered to reconnect with colleagues and begin celebrating the year that was. As the sun set, the event moved into the Members’ Dining Room, setting the stage for a memorable night of recognition and celebration.

    Guests were welcomed by Gideon Perrott, CEO, NECA Education & Careers, who reflected on the importance of investing in people and building a future-ready workforce. Guiding the evening were the much-loved comedians, Scared Weird Little Guys, whose humour and energy brought added warmth and connection to the celebrations.

    Recognising outstanding achievement

    This year’s award recipients represent the very best of the industry. They are individuals who have demonstrated dedication, technical excellence and a commitment to their trade.

    Tasmanian Workforce Apprentice of the Year award winners

    These are apprentices employed by NECA E&C and undertake their off-the-tools training with host organisations in Tasmania.

    • 1st Year: Ryan Allen – Host employer, RBD Electrical
    • 2nd Year: Darcy Ponte-Keserue – Host employer, TCM
    • 3rd Year: Isaac Van Winden – Host employer, M5 Electrical
    • 4th Year: Baxter Lewis – Host employer, Frontline Electrical

    Victorian Student Apprentice of the Year award winners

    These are apprentices undertaking their off-the-tools training at NECA E&C.

    • 1st Year: Alaska Di Scascio – employed by ARA Electrical Services
    • 2nd Year: Robert Tallarico – employed by Nilsen
    • Kevin Stevens Excellence Award for Academic Achievement – Dallas Rowland – employed by Nilsen
      • Honourable Mention: India McNeill Wren – employed by Northside

    Victorian Trainee of the Year award winner

    NECA E&C employs Trainees and supports them as they gain their experience at host organisations.

    • George Sexton – Host employer, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

    Victorian Workforce Apprentice of the Year winners

    These are apprentices employed by NECA E&C and undertake their off-the-tools training with host organisations in Victoria.

    • 1st Year: Matthew Milanovic – Host employer, SKS Technologies
    • 2nd Year: Sienna Emslie-O’Brien – Host employer, Lantrak Electrical Services
    • 3rd Year: Simone Marinelli – Host employer, Prime Electrical
      • Honourable Mention: Joshua Donovan – Host employer, Stowe
    • 4th Year: Jordan Watson – Host employer, Stowe

    Victorian Host Employer of the Year recipients

    • Traineeship Host Employer of the Year: SureNet Solutions
    • Electrical Host Employer of the Year (Medium): LANEC Services
    • Electrical Host Employer of the Year (Large): Fredon Construction

    –> Visit the Awards page for the list of nominees.

    A shared commitment to industry excellence

    While the awards celebrate individual success, they also recognise the broader ecosystem that supports it across both Victoria and Tasmania. Employers, trainers, and industry, government and partner organisations all play a vital role in developing skilled, job-ready professionals.

    NECA Education & Careers’ integrated Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Group Training Organisation (GTO) model continues to deliver a valuable connection between training and employment, ensuring apprentices and trainees are supported at every stage of their journey.

    As Gideon Perrott, CEO, shared on the night:

    “This is one of my favourite nights of the year. You can feel the pride in the room – from apprentices just starting out, to those finishing their trade, and the employers backing them every step of the way.

    What stands out every year is not just the talent, but the attitude. The willingness to learn, to show up, to have a crack… that’s what makes this industry so strong.

    We’re incredibly proud of every nominee, finalist and winner, and just as proud of the employers and partners who invest their time and energy into supporting them. That’s what builds a future-ready industry.”

    Thank you to our sponsors

    These Annual Awards would not be possible without the involvement of our industry partners. They play a vital role in supporting apprentices and trainees and strengthening the future of our industry.

    We extend our gratitude to:

    Apprenticeships Victoria – Event Sponsor
    Fluke Australia – Apprentice Gift Sponsor

    Together with: AEN, CBOS, CBUS, ESV, Fuji, Middy’s, Milwaukee, NECA Victoria, NHP, Network Insurance Group and Protect.

    Looking ahead

    The NECA E&C Annual Awards are more than a celebration; they reflect the strength of the industry and the people within it. As demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, so too does the importance of investing in training, mentorship and industry collaboration.

    Congratulations again to all winners, finalists, and nominees. Your achievements represent the future of the electrical and communications industries, and that future is in strong hands.