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Daracon Group Apprentice Named as Regional Finalist in the NSW Training Awards 2025

News | Tuesday, 6th May 2025

Daracon Group are excited to report that Plant Operator Max Jones has been named as a Regional Finalist in the NSW Training Awards 2025 for the Hunter and Central Coast area.

Now in their 70th year, the NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW, part of the Department of Education. The program aims to acknowledge excellence across the VET sector and to identify emerging ambassadors who can promote the value and impact of vocational training to future generations of apprentices and trainees.

Max Jones is one of the three nominees Daracon was proud to put forward for this year’s Awards. Alongside Max, Janaya Summers was nominated as Trainee of the Year, after completing her Certificate III in Business in December 2024. Lyndsay Steele likewise received a nomination for Apprentice of the Year, completing his Certificate III in Civil Construction Pipe Laying in March 2025.

“Max’s nomination reflects his personal commitment and professional growth, having successfully completed a Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations with grit and perseverance,” said Cory Hay, Daracon Group Plant & Transport Divisional Manager.

“His journey with Daracon continues a proud family legacy, following in the footsteps of his father, Rob Jones, who dedicated 28 years to the business and sparked Max’s initial interest in the civil construction industry,” said Cory. 

Having successfully progressed through the nomination and interviews in the regional level phase, Max will be heading to the Hunter and Central Coast regional awards ceremony this June, joined by his dad Rob as his guest. Should Max succeed, he will progress to the next stage, in which he will be invited for a state interview in July, representing the Hunter region.

Reflecting on his journey, Max described enrolling in the Apprenticeship as “One of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” 

Daracon Group wishes Max the best as he heads off to the awards ceremony next month.