2025 John Andrew Apprentice Of The Year ("JAAOTY")

The John Andrew Apprentice of the Year Award recognises the next generation of talent in the locksmithing industry.

If you're a rising star with recently completed qualifications, this is your chance to demonstrate your skills on a national stage.

Testing dates: 9 – 10 September 2025

Location: Sydney, NSW

Entries close: Mon, 11 August 2025 - so don't miss out!

Images from 2024 testing

Who Can Enter?

In 2024, the Master Locksmiths Board removed the age restriction for entrants, allowing those who began their apprenticeship after age 25 to participate.

To be eligible, you must have completed (or be due to complete) your trade qualifications between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2025, regardless of your age when you began your apprenticeship.

Please note:

• You are not eligible if you have previously applied and participated in JAAOTY testing. This opportunity is only available once.
• Applicants must not hold another trade qualification.
• You must be currently employed by a financial member of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA).

What's Involved?

Shortlisted nominees will be invited to participate in two days of hands-on testing in Sydney, on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 September 2025.

Participants will be tested across several practical and technical areas, including:

• Master keying in a PM8 environment
• Mechanical and electronic safe diagnostics
• Lock fitting
• Picking and impressioning
• Automotive key generation and transponder programming

Download the JAAOTY testing overview PDF for a detailed breakdown of each section and scoring.

What Do Finalists Receive?

All finalists will receive:

• Return flights to Sydney
• 6 nights’ accommodation
• Full registration to the 44th Annual Trade Expo & Conference *
• Which includes a free ticket to the Gala Dinner & Awards Night *

The winner will also receive a trip to Europe - a prize that offers incredible industry exposure and career development.

Images from 2024 Gala Dinner & Awards Night - 2024 JAAOTY Winner, Toby Simpson

* - if a finalist in other categories being awarded on the night (SOTY, VOTY, UOTY), please note only 1 complimentary Full Registration (which includes a Gala Dinner Awards ticket) is available to the applicant/finalist only. Strictly non-transferable.

Why Enter?

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:

• Showcase your skills
• Network with industry leaders
• Represent the future of the locksmithing profession
• Win a potential trip to Europe

Key Dates

Entries close: Mon, 11 August 2025

Testing held in Sydney: 9 – 10 September 2025

Winners announced: Sat, 13 September at the Gala Dinner & Awards Night, Sydney Town Hall