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

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

Max is one of three nominees put forward by Daracon 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 also received a nomination for Apprentice of the Year after 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 phase, Max will attend the Hunter and Central Coast regional awards ceremony this June, joined by his dad Rob as his guest. If successful, Max will move on to the next stage, where 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 of luck as he heads off to the awards ceremony next month.

IMAGE | Finalist, Max Jones