The major sponsors of the award were Total Steel of Australia Pty. Ltd., Dulux Australia Powder Coating, George Ward Sheet & Coil, Atkins Carlyle Ltd., FJ Precision Pty. Ltd., Sheet Metal Supplies Pty. Ltd. and the Sheetmetal Industry Association (SIA).

Andrew Cherni employed by Marco Sheetmetal in Brookvale was the recipient of the Apprentice of the Year award. He was nominated by his teacher Peter Warwick and attended North Sydney College of TAFE.

Matthew Jacobs attendee of the Miller College of TAFE, was the runner up. He was nominated by teacher Alan Campbell and employed by Accent Ventilation at Revesby.