Sparking joy: Lucas Gallardo is the 2025 AGA Apprentice of the Year
AGA Apprentice of the Year, Lucas Gallardo began his electrical apprenticeship while completing his final two years at Wyndham Central College. Besides the practical training and introduction to the trade, Lucas said the opportunity helped him develop as a young adult.
“I was pretty shy before starting the apprenticeship, but talking to builders every day and talking with other tradies and people of different ages in different positions, it made me a lot more confident. By the time I was a first-year apprentice, all the A-Grade electricians would compliment me for how well I was going. I reckon that really helped drive me forward,” Lucas said.
It was a Year 10 project that sparked Lucas’ interest in electronics. After collecting donations for parts from the local community, Lucas built a ten-foot wind turbine to help power water filters for Melbourne West Water’s tadpole habitats.
“I was just trying to understand everything, but didn’t really know exactly how everything worked. Eventually I was able to create the turbine through studying and learning the basics. I just wanted to understand more and that’s what drew me into doing the apprenticeship.”
Lucas has been guided by AGA Apprenticeship and Employment Consultant, Andrew Micallef since day one. After finishing school, Andrew helped connect Lucas with his current employer, Brolec Electrical Contractors and has been providing critical feedback and practical guidance over the six-year relationship.
Apprentice of the Year, Lucas Gallardo with Apprenticeship and Employment Consultant, Andrew Micallef
Andrew could hardly contain his pride when Lucas was named Apprentice of the Year at the AGA Graduation and Awards Ceremony last Friday night.
“I was definitely feeling overjoyed and very proud. Then I looked over at Andrew, and he had the biggest smile on his face,” Lucas recalled. “I just felt like everything that I’ve been working for and towards had finally paid off. I never threw sick days, was never running late; all those small things were finally being rewarded.”
Now a fully qualified A Grade electrician, the 22-year-old is mentoring younger apprentices, keen to share what he’s learnt through his own professional journey. He hopes to one day be a site foreman for Brolec, taking on more responsibility and managing his own crew.
For now, Lucas is perfectly content. He credits the relationships he’s built with colleagues and managers as key to his success and the enjoyment of his job.
“Every day I wake up and I’m just feeling in a great mood because I get to go to work with my friends, my best mates. I rarely ever feel like I don’t want to go to work. This company never makes me feel like that. Which helps the days go quickly and I’m having fun at the same time – so it’s a win-win.”
AGA Apprentice of the Year, Lucas Gallardo began his electrical apprenticeship while completing his final two years at Wyndham Central College. Besides the practical training and introduction to the trade, Lucas said the opportunity helped him develop as a young adult.
