Apprentice of the Year 2019 - Joshua Fletcher

Joshua Fletcher is Box Hill Institute’s 2019 Alan Broadhead Award – Apprentice of the Year. He was nominated for his high work standards and commitment and for acting as a great role model to his peers. Josh worked hard to get high grades and maintained them every year, using his outstanding computer skills and creativity to design excellent woodcraft pieces. 

Josh said, “I felt so much pressure going into the awards night and when my name was called out it felt like a lot of weight came off my shoulders.” Winning the award has encouraged Josh that as long as he invests the time and effort, he can achieve anything that I sets his mind to. 

After graduating from Year 12, Josh originally wanted to become an electrician but while he was waiting for his course to start, he was given the opportunity to try out cabinet making with a family friend for a few weeks. He really enjoyed the trial and decided to stay and do a cabinet making apprenticeship. 

The most interesting thing Josh learnt during his course was CNC programming (Computer Numerical Control Programming), which is used by manufacturers to create instructions for computers to control machinery. He believes the best thing about studying at Box Hill Institute is “the people, teachers, and overall learning experience”.  

Joshua advises fellow students to invest time into their craft and to try to think outside of the box. He believes each student should approach the craft in their own way and put their own signature on something unique.