A female cabinetmaker has been named one of the industry’s best local apprentices, leaving one of her industry leaders “thrilled”.

Claire O’Callaghan, who works for Tenon Joinery, won best third-year apprentice at this year’s Gordon Cabinetmaking Apprenticeship Awards in Geelong last Friday.

Now in its second year, the awards aim to recognise the best cabinetmaking apprentices across the region.

First-year apprentice, Zack Mongelli, from Barwon Cabinets, also landed an award on the night.

Independent Cabinet Makers Geelong vice-president Peter Hammond said the awards helped promote the local cabinetmaking industry.

“We are thrilled to see a female, Claire O’Callaghan, take out an award,” Mr Hammond said.

He described cabinetmaking as “so much more than knocking boxes together”.

Independent Cabinet Makers, an affiliation of local business operators, wanted to ensure their industry thrived “now and into the future”,  Mr Hammond said.

“As a group we are on a mission to encourage school leavers to consider cabinetmaking as a viable career.”

As seen in the Geelong Indy, 22nd November, 2019