Apprentice of the Year aims to reward and celebrate exceptional carpentry training, with events held in 10 regions across the country, and followed by a National event in Wellington in October.
After submitting their entry, which includes details of a building project they’re particularly proud of, entrants will undergo an interview with a judging panel made up of representatives from the Registered Master Builders Federation, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation and Carters.
Assessment
Entrants will be assessed on their personal qualities, their industry knowledge and a completed project that best shows off their skills as a carpentry apprentice. Judges will then undertake site visits to determine the regional winner.
Registered Master Builders Federation chief executive Warwick Quinn believes the Apprentice of the Year competition is a key component of encouraging new talent into the building industry.
“We’re all very aware of the demands that are very shortly to be placed on our industry, and we need as many skilled people coming through the system as possible,” Mr Quinn says.
Fantastic career path
“This competition is integral to highlighting building and construction as a fantastic career path proven through the success of the employers who support their staff to enter.”
Last year’s national winner, Isaac Alder, rates his Apprentice of the Year experience highly.
“The practical aspect of the competition was really important — it’s one thing to talk the talk, but performing under pressure really made the competition for me,” Isaac says.
2010 second placegetter Rhys Doesburg also encourages young apprentices to enter.
“It’s nice to know that you’re up there with the best, and it reaffirms that you’re on the right track and have the right ideas,” Rhys says.
“Lot of confidence”
“The competition gave me a lot of confidence, and it opened a lot of doors for me.”
Entries for Apprentice of the Year are open until June 30, 2011. For further information, or to download an entry form, go to www.masterbuilder.org.nz, www.carters.co.nz orwww.bcito.org.nz.
Entry forms can also be collected from Carters stores nationwide.
Apprentices, employers and those young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join up to the Facebook page by searching RMB Carters Apprentice of the Year at www.facebook.com.
