New Zealand’s best carpentry apprentice stands to win up to $12,000 in prizes in the Registered Master Builders 2009 Apprentice of the Year, in association with Carters.
Entries are now open for the competition, which is divided into 10 regional competitions before a national final is held in Wellington in October.
Apprentice of the Year recognises and celebrates excellence among young carpentry apprentices. It also promotes construction career opportunities, as well as raising awareness of the benefits for employers who take on apprentices.
Registered Master Builders Federation chief executive Warwick Quinn says the Federation is proud to be involved with a competition that helps foster industry leaders.
“Our members are dedicated to passing on their skills and knowledge to apprentices so they become exceptional builders and, ultimately, the leaders of the industry,” Mr Quinn says.
Principal sponsor, Carters, agrees the competition showcases the best young builders in the country, as well as the valuable contribution made by employers to help them reach their full potential.
“The growth of this competition reflects the quality of young apprentices and the level of encouragement and leadership shown by their employers,” Carters chief executive Stu Munro says.
All 10 2009 regional winners receive a specialist Outward Bound Leadership Programme tailored for apprentices (valued at $2600). In addition they also have the choice of a grant towards completion of study in any construction or building course (valued at up to $2000), or a Carters voucher for a substantial purchase (valued at up to $1500).
Regional place getters also receive prize packs from Carters, including tools and products from Makita, Stanley and Irwin Industrial Tools, branded merchandise from the BCITO and material from the Department of Building and Housing.
Entries for the 2009 Apprentice of the Year are open until 31 July. For further information or to download an entry form go to www.masterbuilder.org.nz orwww.bcito.org.nz.
Entry forms can also be collected from Carters stores nationwide.
