The John Andrew Apprentice of the Year Award recognises the next generation of talent in the locksmithing industry.
If you're a rising star with recently completed qualifications, this is your chance to demonstrate your skills on a national stage.
Testing dates: 29 – 30 September 2026
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Entries close: 30 June 2026 - so don't miss out!
Images from 2025 testing
To be eligible, you must have completed (or be due to complete) your trade qualifications between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, regardless of your age when you began your apprenticeship.
Please note:
Shortlisted nominees will be invited to participate in two days of hands-on testing in Melbourne, on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Participants will be tested across several practical and technical areas, including:
Download the JAAOTY testing overview PDF for a detailed breakdown of each section and scoring.
All finalists will receive:
The winner and their supervisor will also receive a trip to Europe - a prize that offers incredible industry exposure and career development.
Images from 2025 Gala Dinner & Awards Night - 2025 JAAOTY Winner, Connor McColl
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:
Entries close: 30 June 2026
Testing held in Sydney: 29 – 30 September 2026
Winners announced: Sat, 3 October at the Gala Dinner & Awards Night, Marvel Stadium - Melbourne
The trade test is conducted over two days in various locations subject to the availability of Judges, equipment and facilities.
The Trade Test serves two primary purposes:
Below is an outline of what’s required to be completed during the Trade Test.
The master keying section will test your skills to apply master keying theory in a PM8 environment. You will need to show you know how to use the software to deal with unusable codes, keying to specified requirements as well as coding a “real world” key system. There will also be questions on master keying terminology.
Please note, this is not a test on data entry.
Part A – Mechanical You will be provided with an S & G three-wheel combination lock that has been fitted to a metal stand; however, you will not be provided with the correct combination.
You will be given a change key and the combination that the lock needs to be set to. You need to reset the lock to the combination you have been given. A change-key will be provided.
Part B – Electronic You will be provided with a Secureram Prologic LO2 electronic safe lock, as well as the programming instructions. You be required to program the lock to the following settings:
Fit a ROSS electric strike to an aluminium block. The use of an angle grinder or Dremel is permitted, however, no jigs are to be used. The use of the template (supplied) is optional.
Pick up to ten (10) oval cylinders using manual picks, Pick up to ten (10) oval cylinders using a manual pick gun, a Lishi pick or bumping the cylinder, Impression up to five (5) oval cylinder.
Part A – Generation of a Mechanical Key
You will be supplied with a driver’s door lock and one Silca NSN14 key blank. You will be required to pick open the lock and cut a key to work the lock correctly.
Please note, an NSN14 Lishi pick will be provided on the day.
The method for doing this is up to the competitor, however, disassembly is not permitted. A key cutting machine and Instacode will be provided.
Part B – Transponder Programming
You will be supplied with the electronics from a motor vehicle, an unprogrammed transponder key, and a programming device.
You will be required to program the transponder key to the vehicle to enable the start function, with no faults shown.
EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION 45th Annual Trade Expo & Conference
*Floorplan being revised to suit booths sold
NB: All booths/sponsorships must strictly be paid for by Tue 31 Mar or your booking will be cancelled and the booths made available for resale.
Download the Exhibitor Manual Here
Pricing
Payment terms: Payment for booth registrations is required by Tuesday 31 March 2026. Registrations not paid by this date may be cancelled, and the booth released for sale.
Booth Options
Each exhibitor booth will be fully equipped with the essentials for a seamless experience, including:
The following renders show example layouts for 6m x 9m booths. Layouts may vary slightly depending on booth location and configuration.
Booth 25 & 51
Booth 40
Freight and Deliveries
Freight can be delivered to the Service Entry at Marvel Stadium.
For deliveries arriving on bump-in day, all drivers must complete the Internal Access Form and any required site inductions. To arrange access and complete inductions, please contact playsafe@marvelstadium.com.au prior to arrival.
To find all the details about the venue, sessions, trade expo and what's included – click the link below to take you straight there!
Refund Policy
Proudly sponsored by SG Lock & Security
Celebrate excellence in our industry and put your business in the spotlight! The 2026 Business Awards recognise outstanding achievement across the locksmithing sector in Australia and New Zealand.
These prestigious awards are your chance to showcase your work, gain industry recognition, and be rewarded for excellence in design, branding, functionality and presentation.
Over 400 spm
Judging criteria documents are available for each category below – please review them before submitting your entry.
Shop of the Year (Over 400 sqm) - Criteria
Entries close 31 July, 2026
Winners announced: Saturday 3 October 2026 at the Gala Dinner, Melbourne
Catch up with locksmiths in your area, hear the latest Association updates, and celebrate the year’s achievements together.
Cost: Free to attend
Check out the dates and locations below
Tue, 9 Feb 2027
Auckland
Thu, 11 Feb 2027
Brisbane
Tue, 16 Feb 2027
Adelaide
Thu, 18 Feb 2027
Perth
Tue, 23 Feb 2027
Sydney
Thu, 25 Feb 2027
Melbourne
+61 3 9994 15578:30am–5:30pm (AEDT) Monday to Friday Melbourne business days (excluding public holidays)For out of hours enquiries, email below:
support@masterlocksmiths.com.au
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Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Ltd, Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Ltd, 
+61 3 9994 1557
