The Building Commission’s annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) awards have been presented to individuals and companies that have shown commitment to ongoing training within Victoria’s building industry.

Building Commissioner Greg Hyams said the awards recognised eight building practitioners and two CPD providers for their work in the areas of post-apprenticeship training and development.

“Good building work is vital to maintain the livability of Victoria – and it can only be confidently performed by a well-trained Registered Building Practitioner,” said Mr Hyams.

“The recipients of this year’s CPD awards have demonstrated their commitment to excellence through ongoing professional training, up-skilling, and staying up-to-date with new technologies, regulations and business practices.”

The recipients of the 2013 awards are:

Damian Podbury – Winner, 12-point category (for RBPs registered as domestic and commercial builders, demolishers and erectors of temporary structures who have completed 12 hours/points of CPD training for the year)

Xavier Ryan – 12-point category (highly commended)

John Haralabakos – 12-point category (commended)

Michael Ting – Winner, 15-point category (for RBPs registered as building surveyors, building inspectors, engineers quantity surveyors, draftspersons who have completed 15 hours/points of CPD for the year)

Michael Mettes – 15-point category (highly commended)

Michael Dean – 15-point category (commended)

Mark Plant – Winner, Sustainability category (for RBPs who have undertaken sustainability training during the year)

Damian Podbury – Sustainability (highly commended)

Mark Van Handel – Sustainability (commended)

Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS); and

Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBAV) - joint winners CPD Provider Award (for a CPD provider who has provided excellent training during the year – nominated by an RBP)

All award recipients, including the two CPD Providers, received a certificate and a trophy at an awards night, with the individual practitioners also receiving a cash prize for future professional development.

Commissioner Hyams said, “The Building Commission is proud to be able to help foster this talent and commitment to training through the CPD awards, which are in their eighth year.”