The Kangaroo Flat resident took home the Master Builders Bendigo Section Training Provider Apprentice award at the All Seasons Thursday evening.

It was the culmination in nearly four years of hard work.

Mr Lea now wanted to pay back his boss at Beilharz Pty Lmt back for his faith with at least a few years more of work.

"It's sort of like family now, me and him (my boss). We've got to the stage where there's respect for each other and he's like a father figure. I value him a lot," Mr Lea said.

The apprentice also wanted to work and travel in Europe before eventually opening his own business.

He was among three apprentices from central Victoria recognised for their dedication, skill and hard work.

The other two winners on the night were Chairman’s Award winner Corey Morgan, a carpenter from Rupanyup and Employer-Nominated Apprentice of the Year Jacob Ludbey, a carpenter from Echuca Village.

Master Builders’ careers manager Ingrid Mountford said this year’s nominees demonstrate laudable commitment, maturity and professional focus on their careers.

“These awards are hard-earned over a long period of time, so the apprentices are rightly excited about the recognition they’re receiving, and what it says about the direction of their careers,” she said.

Related: Call for more young brickies in the region

Mr Lea attends Skill Training Victoria.

Mr Morgan works at Lane Building COntractors and attends Murray Mallee Training Company.

Mr Ludbey is employed at Gavin Law Carpentry and attends GoTAFE.

Regional winners were selected after an interview with a panel of three judges.

They will be invited to the State Apprentice of the Year Awards on 9 May in Melbourne, where the overall winners will be announced.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.