The Master Builders Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC) has recently awarded the Buckland
Apprentice of the Year Award to Mr. Donald Perreira. The Award is given to the leading apprentice
chosen, from all those registered on the organisation’s Apprenticeship Training Programme.
According to the MBAWC’s Group Skills Facilitator, Tony Keal, “For the past few years we have been
giving people the opportunity to earn while they learn through the Programme. The MBAWC pays for
the apprentices’ training and places them with our member organisations for experience. In doing so,
we equip them with the skills and experience they need to become master builders. Apprenticeships
not only create skilled people, but also future entrepreneurs in the industry.”
Perreira, who had worked for 10 years as a joiner in a furniture factory, decided to pursue a career in
construction. He says, “This field offers many areas of opportunity, from plumbing and electrical works
to civil construction.” He joined the Programme in 2013 and completed all of his theoretical and
practical training. He has also done in-service, on-site training with a number of MBAWC member
companies and is currently fulfilling his internship with one of South Africa’s leading construction
companies, GVK-Siyazama.
This husband and father of one, hopes to one day become a foreman with a view to, ultimately,
becoming a site agent.
Of winning the accolade of Apprentice of the Year, he says, “It was a complete surprise. There are
many other deserving people in the Programme. I have always tried to be a hard worker and do
exactly what the foreman says.”
“This is the 10th year that this award has been in existence and is extremely sought-after by aspiring
apprentices. Donald was one of the first group of MBA Apprentices. Apart from being a good
carpenter, he has shown incredible leadership capabilities,” shares Keal.
For more information about the MBAWC’s Apprenticeship and other training programmes, please visit
http://mbawc.org.za.
