May 19 2026
Two of the industry’s top apprentices were honoured at the 2025 Collision Repair Association’s (CRA) Apprentice of the Year Awards, held on 15 May 2026 at the CRA Annual Conference.
Both winners hail from Hamilton: Ervin Jay Hernandez, of Fleet Image NZ, was awarded the Golden Gun Award; and Justin Williamson, of Hamilton Panel Works, was awarded the Golden Hammer Award.
The CRA Apprentice of the Year Awards are a fierce competition, with finalists competing across a rigorous judging process, including a practical component in support of an application and interview, with their apprenticeship progress taken into consideration.
In addition to the prestige of the award, the winners receive tools, a monetary prize, and the opportunity to enrol in a post-trade qualification through MITO.
The 2025 Golden Gun Award winner, Ervin Jay Hernandez, known as Ejay, has been with Fleet Image NZ for five years, starting as a sandblaster. His continual drive to improve eventually led him to start an automotive refinishing apprenticeship through MITO, where his commitment was evident in his swift progress.
His attention to detail, pride, and care in his work was a clear standout for the award, in addition to his positive attitude and competitive spirit. A highly valued member of his team and workplace, Ejay is on track for continued success in the industry.
The 2025 Golden Hammer Award winner, Justin Williamson, joined Hamilton Panel Works nearly three years ago, making an impression from day one. His initiative, practical skill, and ability to step up when needed have impressed his workplace and proven his leadership qualities.
In addition to his technical ability, the Hamilton Panel Works team have described Justin as someone they rely on every day. He plays an integral role in supporting production flow and shows maturity and professionalism in whatever he applies himself to.
With their MITO training programmes now complete, Ejay and Justin’s recent award wins, coupled with the support of their workplaces, mark the start of exciting and promising careers in the industry.
The awards were presented by MITO Chief Executive, Verna Niao. “Ejay and Justin are prime examples of upcoming industry excellence, and it’s an honour to be able to present them with the Golden Gun and Golden Hammer Awards—a celebration of the best of the best. Their skills and commitment to their trade are top class, and we at MITO are proud to have been able to support them through their apprenticeships and wish them the best of luck in the future.”
CRA Chair Jeff Robson says that the Golden Gun and Golden Hammer Awards are important recognition of achievement for collision repair and refinishing apprentices: “These awards are intensely contested; it’s fantastic to see the effort and pride that the participants put in. Our apprentices are the future of our industry and their achievements reflect the commitment of their employers and supervisors to industry training. I’d like to sincerely acknowledge all the business owners training apprentices—providing someone with their first opportunity is truly impactful.”
