Melbourne Polytechnic is proud to congratulate Joshua Presta, who has been named the 2025 Outstanding Apprentice/Trainee of the Year 2025 at the Melbourne Polytechnic Graduation. Joshua recently completed the Certificate III in Plumbing CPC32420 and his journey reflects the hard work, persistence and commitment it takes to succeed in trades.
Joshua started his career working for his father in civil construction, but soon realised he wanted to pursue a licensed trade. Plumbing appealed to him because of its variety and the structured learning pathway it offered.
“Plumbing stood out to me because there's so many different parts to it,” he said. “From drainage to roofing and everything in between, you’re always learning something new.”
Joshua enrolled in the Certificate III in Plumbing CPC32420 at Melbourne Polytechnic and quickly immersed himself in both theory and hands-on training. Over three and a half years, he developed strong skills across all areas of the plumbing trade, supported by teachers with extensive industry experience.
When Joshua was told he had been nominated for Apprentice of the Year, he was surprised. “I was rapt,” he said. “It had been a tough few years, and to be recognised like that made it feel worth it.”
The selection process involved answering questions and attending an interview, where his attitude and effort stood out. Joshua is known for being engaged, eager to learn and willing to support others, whether in class or on-site.
“I try to be someone who helps out where I can. If I don’t know something, I’ll ask. If I do know, I’ll lend a hand,” he said.
Joshua credits much of his progress to the balance of learning in the classroom at TAFE and on the job. At Melbourne Polytechnic, he was able to build skills in a safe environment before applying them in real work settings.
“TAFE gives you time to actually sit with the plumbing regulations and work through it properly. That gives you an edge when you're back on site,” he said.
From coordinating materials to leading tasks with junior apprentices, Joshua showed initiative throughout his apprenticeship. He recalled one project where he was responsible for shutting down the hot water system in a 600-apartment building - a complex job that required careful planning and strong communication.
“There’s a lot of responsibility in plumbing. You’ve got to do things right the first time. I always work as if I’m doing it in my own house.”
Joshua recently started a new role with a major plumbing company working on infrastructure and construction projects. While he has long-term goals of running his own business, right now he’s focused on learning as much as he can and continuing to grow in the industry.
His advice to new students is simple. “Put in the effort. Ask questions. The more you give, the more you get out of it.”
Congratulations again to Joshua on this well-deserved award, which recognises his hard work, perseverance, and growing expertise in the construction trades. His achievement highlights how dedication, hands-on training, and the right support can lead to rewarding career opportunities for apprentices starting out in skilled industries.
Plumbing is more than just unblocking drains or fixing taps — it’s a skilled trade with wide-ranging opportunities. Gain the in-demand skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced and essential plumbing services industry.
The Plumbing Registration Examination assesses the skills and knowledge of graduates of the Certificate III in Plumbing CPC32420.