2026 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: 29 – 30 September 2026

Location: Melbourne, VIC

Entries close: 30 June 2026 - so don't miss out!

Images from 2025 testing

Who Can Enter?

To be eligible, you must have completed (or be due to complete) your trade qualifications between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, 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.

What's Involved?

Shortlisted nominees will be invited to participate in two days of hands-on testing in Melbourne, on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 September 2026.

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 Melbourne (up to $500)
• 6 nights of accommodation (up to $1000)
• Full registration to the Annual Trade Expo & Conference which includes a free ticket to the Gala Dinner & Awards Night 

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

Images from 2025 Gala Dinner & Awards Night - 2025 JAAOTY Winner, Connor McColl

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 trip to Europe

Key Dates

Entries close: 30 June 2026

Testing held in Sydney: 29 – 30 September 2026

Winners announced: Sat, 3 October at the Gala Dinner & Awards Night, Marvel Stadium - Melbourne