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• 2026 John Andrew Apprentice Of The Year ("JAAOTY")

  • Start
    29 Sep 2026
  • End
    30 Sep 2026
  • Location
    Melbourne VIC

  Registration is closed

  
  

  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.
  
  

  JAAOTY 2026 - Testing Overview PDF

  
  

  
  

  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

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• 2026 SOTY VOTY - Business Awards

  • When
    03 Oct 2026
  • Location
    Melbourne, VIC

  Registration is closed

  
  

  2026 Business Awards

  Proudly sponsored by SG Lock & Security
  

  Celebrate excellence in our industry and put your business in the spotlight! The 2026 Business Awards recognise outstanding achievement across the locksmithing sector in Australia and New Zealand.

  These prestigious awards are your chance to showcase your work, gain industry recognition, and be rewarded for excellence in design, branding, functionality and presentation.
  
  

  

  
  Award Categories

  Over 400 spm       Under 400 sqm

  
  Why Enter?

  • Win a share of the $20,000 prize pool
  • Boost your business profile and credibility, and be recognised as a leader in the industry
  • Both finalists and winners receive certificates and the right to promote their achievement for the next 12 months
  • All finalists receive complimentary access to the Trade Expo and a free ticket to the Gala Dinner & Awards Night
  • Celebrate your win at the Gala Dinner during the 45th Annual Trade Expo & Conference in Melbourne!
    
    
    

  

  
  Criteria

  Judging criteria documents are available for each category below – please review them before submitting your entry.
  

  Shop of the Year (Under 400 sqm) - Criteria

  Shop of the Year (Over 400 sqm) - Criteria

  Van of the Year - Criteria

  Ute of the Year - Criteria

  
  

  

  
  Key Dates

  Entries close 30 June, 2026

  Winners announced: Saturday 3 October 2026 at the Gala Dinner, Melbourne

  
  

  Show details