Recognising the next generation of locksmith high achievers
The John Andrew Apprentice of the Year Competition recognises excellence among Australian and New Zealand locksmith apprentices. It also acknowledges the important relationship between an apprentice and their mentor, whose support is a key part of apprentices’ entry to the award.
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, both world-class manufacturing facilities. This is, without doubt, the best prize in locksmithing anywhere in the world.
The award is run by the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA) and generously supported by sponsors LSC, Silca and ABUS.
It honours the memory of the late John Andrew, who was the MLAA’s inaugural Life Member and a winner of the AL Chantry Memorial Award for the Pursuit of Excellence.
What the award tests
The competition tests a range of locksmithing skills, including:
- Lock picking
- Lock impressioning
- Lock fitting
- Master keying
- Safes – mechanical & electronic
- Automotive – mechanical & transponder
- Electronic security
Applicants are tested on these skills in person at the premises of K.J.Ross Security Locks in Knoxfield, Victoria. The MLAA covers the cost of airfares, accommodation, transfers and meals for finalists and their mentors.
Eligibility criteria
- The entrant must be an employee of a current Business Member of the Association
- The entrant must have the support of the Business they are employed by
- The entrant must have completed (or be in the process of completing) a recognised apprenticeship in Australia (TAFE) or New Zealand (Competenz)
- Any entrant who has completed their apprenticeship must have done so within 12 months of entering the competition
- The entrant must have been under the age of 25 at the time they commenced their apprenticeship
- The entrant must not have completed another trade-based apprenticeship or trade certificate
- The entrant agrees to travel to Melbourne (travel and accommodation costs to be covered by the MLAA) for testing at a K J Ross Security Locks in Melbourne at a date determined by the Association
All eligible locksmith apprentices across Australia and New Zealand are encouraged to apply.
Please note: anyone who was eligible to enter the competition in 2020 under the T&Cs may be able to enter a separate JAAOTY competition in 2021. They either need to be an employee of a current Business Member of the Association, or the business owner of a current Business Member. The number of eligible applicants in this category will be a major factor in determining whether a separate JAAOTY competition is held for those who missed out in 2020.
How to apply
To apply for the John Andrew Apprentice of the Year Competition, please fill out and submit the form linked below.
Entries have been extended and now close at 5pm AEST Friday 30 July 2021.
John Andrew Apprentice of the Year Competition application form.
Past winners
“I found the John Andrew Apprentice of the Year Competition to be a great opportunity for me to meet fellow locksmiths from all over Australia and to not only compete against them but network with them. It was an awesome experience to participate in the test at the KJ Ross factory and to have the honour of getting shown how the Ross locks are manufactured. Everyone was friendly and it was very easy going. It was a chance to get to show off the skills that I had gained, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking about entering to give it a crack.”
Jesse Shepherd
Valley Locksmiths
2019 John Andrew Apprentice of the Year
Pictured: 2019 John Andrew Apprentice of the Year Jesse Shepherd (left) with his mentor Matt Ellis (right).
| Year | Apprentice of the Year | Branch | Employer |
| 2000 | Chris Verbolle | VIC | Stewarts Security Specialists |
| 2001 | David Overend | NZ | James Bull & Co |
| 2002 | Eric Yorsten | NZ | Armstrong Locksmiths |
| 2003 | Nathan de Rooy | NSW | Brian Preddey Locksmiths |
| 2004 | Andrew Worsfold | QLD | Northside Locksmiths |
| 2005 | James Methven | VIC | Echuca Locksmiths |
| 2006 | Shane Cook | VIC | Echuca Locksmiths |
| 2007 | Bradley Wheeler | VIC | East Gippsland Keys & Locks |
| 2008 | Adam Burling | WA | SAS Locksmithing Services |
| 2009 | Robert Jeges | VIC | API Security – Moorabbin |
| 2010 | Kyle Bevans | VIC | Bendigo Locksmiths |
| 2011 | Nicole Bornis | QLD | Ruswin |
| 2012 | David Monahu | VIC | Omega Corporate Security |
| 2013 | Daniel Kolosi | VIC | Corporate Locksmiths |
| 2014 | Nicholas Smith | QLD | Keycut Services Pty Ltd |