A well-known Riverland construction professional is encouraging young locals to be nominated for an industry initiative highlighting the state’s best tradespeople.

The hunt for the Riverland’s top tradie is on, with $5500 up for grabs as a new partnership between the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and some of the state’s top sporting bodies seeks to inspire more young people to pick up a trade.

The Built in the Regions partnership calls for regional apprentices and recent graduates to nominate themselves or a mate who they think is good on the tools and a champion in the local community.

Not only will the successful tradie receive $2500 to boost their own career, but a bonus grant of up to $3000 will be given to a local sport or community club of their choosing, with both the SANFL and Netball SA partnering with CITB to support regional talent and grassroots sport.

CITB CEO Holly Willcox said ‘Built in the Regions’ aims to encourage young people living in South Australian country areas to consider pursuing a trade and to help build the local workforce’s capacity.

“We want to spread the message to young tradies that they can kick-start their career close to home and that pursuing a trade offers great pay and a great lifestyle,” Holly said.

“A career in trade is a career for life, and when you live in the country, life is all about the community around you, so we’re excited to partner with SANFL and Netball SA to spearhead this campaign which endorses both.”

It’s a narrative 2023 South Australian Apprentice of the Year, and Berri Demons footballer, Hugo Kregar knows only too well.

Hugo was raised in Berri, took on a carpentry apprenticeship, and is now working as a construction estimator and project manager in his family’s Riverland building company.

“I grew up around building sites and always looked up to the carpenters from a young age – what I saw was an industry full of opportunity, both for career progression and personal growth,” Hugo said.

“I completed CITB’s Doorways2Construction Program in year 11, and that really set me up for success by giving me a great understanding of the working environment and skills needed to perform at a high standard.

“Taking on an apprenticeship, you’re paid to learn and there are so many incentives, pathways and support for career growth.”

Hugo, who is now embedded as the next generation in the family business Michael Kregar Building, understands how important it is to invest in local communities.

“CITB are doing a fantastic job to grow the skilled workforce, especially in regional South Australia – we all need to play a part in encouraging other young, local people to stay in the region and that means providing them with the right job opportunities,” he said.

Hugo said he’s only too happy to spread the word among mates and the footy community about the chance to secure a $5500 boost.

“$2500 is a significant amount for any young local tradie and given our local community organisations are mostly reliant on volunteers, the additional $3000 is going to go a long way,” Hugo said.

As well as the grant money, the successful tradie in each region will be named Trade Up Ambassador for their local community.

“We are looking forward to hearing the stories of the fabulous young men and women who are helping to build our regions and to support the football and netball clubs that are often the backbone of our regional communities,” Holly said.

Further details on how apprentices can be nominated, along with judging criteria and event timelines, can be found at (TradeUp.org.au).

Funded by South Australia’s building and construction industry, CITB supports the sector by leading the way in training, upskilling and workforce development, helping to attract, train and retain skilled workers and build a stronger future.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 6 August 2025.