Mr Pilgrim, a former St Brigid's College student, was presented the award at an event at the Ballarat Mercure Convention Centre last week. He also took home the 'Best Over Entire Apprenticeship' award.

He got his start in the building industry with a VET course in Building and Construction completed through Skillinvest Horsham.

The course led to an on-site work placement with Lane Building Contractors, after which Mr Pilgrim started an apprenticeship with Jason Merlo of CHS Construction.

After being nominated for the award by his trade school teacher, Mr Pilgrim said he had to sit an interview with Master Builders.

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"I had to sit through an interview process where they asked me a heap of questions, a few trick questions as well - and I answered them," Mr Pilgrim said.

Mr Pilgrim said he attended the award ceremony, thinking he wasn't going to win.

"I was a bit gobsmacked. My girlfriend actually told me to have a speech ready and I said 'No don't be stupid, it is just a waste of time going down'," Mr Pilgrim said.

"Then my name started getting put on the board, and then they read out the best overall, and I won that, and then the apprentice of the year, and I won that.

"I had to do a speech and I stuffed that up pretty bad. I just wasn't prepared, I was pretty surprised and wasn't expecting it. It was good."

Skillinvest trainer and assessor Coleman McConville congratulated Mr Pilgrim on his award and said he had watched Mr Pilgrim grow since he started as a VET student.

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"With the on-site training we go out, look over his work, get him through his paperwork, and then he does a bit of trade school throughout the year," Mr McConville said.

Mr McConville said Mr Pilgrim was one of two apprentices from Skillinvest nominated for this year's award. Skillinvest also took out last year's Master Builders Apprentice of the Year award.

"It basically puts him in good stead to continue on in the trade and progress further," Mr McConville said.

"He didn't get the award just by nominating, he got this award for his skill and work ethic. He is a good kid and loves the trade."

Mr Pilgrim will now run against other regions apprentices for the Victorian Apprentice of the Year award, held at Marvel Stadium later this month.

His advice to any student looking to pursue a trade was to see if they like it.

"I definitely think people should give it a go. If you are hesitant give it a crack, what is the worst that can happen, if you don't like it you can just pull out," Mr Pilgrim said.

"I think you should give it a crack, especially if you are not fond of school, I am all for it and I reckon it is a great idea. That was my route, I didn't enjoy school so I started my apprenticeship and haven't looked back."

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