The ETU Apprentice of the Year Award recognises and celebrates the importance of apprentices in the industry, and the work that they do in looking out for others that are also new to the industry.
The 2025 ETU Apprentice of the Year Award was presented to Layla from NSW, for just that reason.
Layla has been tireless in her advocacy for her fellow apprentices. She has advocated for improved accommodation arrangements for workers required to travel long distances, ensuring that young tradespeople are better supported while working away from home.
Layla has also contributed to enterprise bargaining discussions, helping to represent the interests of apprentices in negotiations that shape wages and conditions across the industry. Her advocacy extended to representing apprentices at the Fair Work Commission, where she played a role in ensuring their voices were heard at the highest level of workplace regulation.
The award was presented to Layla at a fantastic ceremony, graciously hosted by our mighty NSW & ACT Branch.
A big congratulations to Layla for the well-deserved award, and to all the other finalists Lauren, Patrick, Isaac and Jack, who were also celebrated for their strong contributions and commitments to the trade. And congratulations to all the fantastic ETU apprentices who applied for this year’s competition.
“Apprentices are the future of our trades and our Union. Their passion, dedication and union spirit reassure me that our future is brighter than ever. And this coming year, I know that Layla will do us proud” – ETU National Secretary Michael Wright.
The Apprentice of the Year award highlights the fact that that the next generation of electricians is already stepping up, and, with apprentices like Layla, Lauren, Patrick, Isaac and Jack leading the way, the future of the trade is in safe and very capable hands.
