Nimble News 2 July 2025
- fftitc
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Apprentice of the Year at the Cabinet Makers Association of WA (CMA WA) Awards
Industry leaders extended their congratulations to Pascal Guzzomi, a second-year apprentice with Infinity Cabinetmaking, who was awarded Apprentice of the Year at the Cabinet Makers Association of WA (CMA WA) Awards, held on Friday, 20 June 2025at the Pan Pacific Hotel. The prestigious award was presented by Tony Palladino, CEO of the Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council (WA) Inc. (FFTITC), proud sponsors of the award. The evening celebrated excellence and commitment across the cabinetmaking industry, with the FFTITC playing a role in both sponsorship and judging of the apprentice of the year award.
FFTITC’s Tony Palladino and Bernadette Amos, who served on the judging panel, described Pascal as an outstanding candidate, whose dedication, technical skill development, and professionalism distinguished him from a strong field of nominees. “Pascal’s work truly impressed the judging panel,” said Tony Palladino. “His success also reflects the high level of support and mentoring provided by his employer, Infinity Cabinetmaking.”
The event not only celebrated individual achievement but also highlighted the broader need to invest in the next generation of skilled tradespeople. In his remarks, Tony Palladino called on the industry to commit to doubling the number of apprentices in cabinet making over the coming years, whether through direct employment or Group Training Organisations (GTOs). He emphasised that building a stronger pipeline of skilled workers is essential to meeting the growing needs of the industry.
There is already positive momentum. North Metropolitan TAFE has reported 32 student enrolments in its Certificate II in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Pre-Apprenticeship) program. With continued collaboration between training providers and industry, these students are well-positioned to transition into full apprenticeship, —further strengthening Western Australia’s cabinetmaking workforce.
Employers looking to grow their teams are encouraged to contact North Metropolitan TAFE to learn more about the pool of successful students and consider them for apprenticeship employment before the end of the year.
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We hope this has been of some assistance.
Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council
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