The John Andrew Apprentice of the Year Competition (JAAOTY) recognises the next generation of high achievers in the locksmithing industry in Australia and New Zealand.

Competitors get the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a practical testing environment. The tasks include picking and impressioning, lock fitting, electronic safe lock installation and programming, producing and programming an automotive key and masterkeying.

LSC is proud to be a major supporter of the Award, along with ABUS and Silca. The winner of the competition and their mentor receive a fully funded trip to Europe to visit the Silca factory in Italy and the ABUS factory in Germany.

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Open annually to those who completed (or will complete) their apprenticeship between 1 July (the year prior) and 30 June (of the competition year).

Finalists will take part in two days of hands-on testing in Melbourne (typically in September).

Finalists will receive return flights to Melbourne, 6 nights’ accommodation, full registration to the Annual MLAA Conference & Trade Expo, plus a free Gala Dinner & Awards Night ticket.

The winner will receive a trip to Europe.

This annual award honours the memory of the late John Andrew who was the Association's inaugural Life Member and a winner of the A.L. Chantry Memorial Award for the Pursuit of Excellence. Eligible apprentices employed by MLAA Business members in Australia and New Zealand are invited to participate.

Past winners:

YEAR	APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR	EMPLOYER	BRANCH
2025	Connor McColl	Norm Hyatt Locksmiths	QLD
2024	Toby Simpson	Salisbury Locksmiths	SA
2023	Sam Ellison	John Barnes Locksmiths	VIC
2022	Charles McMahon	Next Generation Locksmiths	NSW
2020/21	David Cowley	Precision Locksmiths	VIC
2019	Jesse Shepherd	Valley Locksmiths & Security	SA
2018	Riley Davison	A.S.A.P. Locksmiths	VIC
2017	Zach Winslade	Independent Locksmiths & Security	NSW
2016	Peng (Leo) Guo	A.S.A.P. Locksmiths	VIC
2015	Luke Bergin	Ruswin	QLD
2014	Nicholas Smith	Keycut Services Pty Ltd	QLD
2013	Daniel Kolosi	Corporate Locksmiths	VIC
2012	David Monahu	Omega Corporate Security	VIC
2011	Nicole Bornis	Ruswin	QLD
2010	Kyle Bevans	Bendigo Locksmiths	VIC
2009	Robert Jeges	API Security - Moorabbin	VIC
2008	Adam Burling	SAS Locksmithing Services	WA
2007	Bradley Wheeler	East Gippsland Keys & Locks	VIC
2006	Shane Cook	Echuca Locksmiths	VIC
2005	James Methven	Echuca Locksmiths	VIC
2004	Andrew Worsfold	Northside Locksmiths	QLD
2003	Nathan De Rooy	Brian Preddey Locksmiths	NSW
2002	Eric Yornsten	Armstrong Locksmiths	NZ
2001	David Overend	James Bull & Co	NZ
2000	Chris Verbolle	Stewarts Security Specialists	VIC

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John Andrew Apprentice of the Year

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Past winners:

YEAR

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

EMPLOYER

BRANCH

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