A DJ Hogan Building Contractors apprentice, Mr Winfield said he was shocked to win.

Mr Winfield, 20, won the association's Employer Nominated Apprentice of the Year last year.

"There are three awards given out an employer nominated award, a chairman's award and an overall apprentice award," he said.

"Last year I won the employer nominated award and now this one is the overall award.

"It is the regional award and now I will compete for the state award."

He said he had not expected to win.

"I won tools and clothing worth about $1000," he said.

Mr Winfield said he would go to Melbourne on May 9 for the state award ceremony.

"I have to do an interview with a panel before then," he said.

Mr Winfield has worked with Dean Hogan for the past four years.

He said he would finish his apprenticeship in about three weeks and keep working with Mr Hogan for a while.

"But hopefully I will own my own business one day," he said.

He said he always wanted to be a builder.

"I love being able to make something and walk away, then look back and be proud of what I've built," he said.

"It's a good feeling."

Erin McFadden