Entries for the Registered Master Builders Carters 2013 Apprentice of the Year competition have closed, with 100 apprentices from all over New Zealand ready to contend for the title and a share of more than $100,000 worth of prizes.
Regional judging kicks off at the end of June, with judging panels reviewing all written entries and interviewing all entrants.
Up to 10 finalists in each of the nine regions will then be selected to compete for the top spot in their region.
Apprentice of the Year entry numbers have increased from 96 entrants in 2012 to 100 this year, at the same time as the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) has seen a 22% increase in apprenticeship sign ups.
BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says the construction industry is thriving, and Apprentice of the Year is a great opportunity for up and coming apprentices who want to stand out from their peers and make their mark on the industry.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a part of the construction industry, and apprentices who go the extra mile are really appreciated when it comes to progressing through their career,” Mr Karaitiana says.
“Apprentice of the Year is one way for apprentices to prove their value to employers and others in the business.”
RMBF chief executive Warwick Quinn says Apprentice of the Year is a fantastic endeavour for recognising excellence in carpentry apprentices.
“The competition is such a good opportunity for us to celebrate our industry and everyone who contributes to it. We are very much looking forward to seeing what talent comes forward at this year’s Apprentice of the Year,” Mr Quinn says.
Each regional winner will score themselves a $2000 study grant or $2000 worth of products from Carters, along with a place at a specially designed Outward Bound course and a range of products and tools.
Winners from each region will also win travel and accommodation to the Apprentice of the Year national competition in Auckland in October, and the Registered Master Builders 2013 House of the Year National Awards Gala Dinner.
Apprentices, employers and those young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/apprenticeoftheyear.
The Apprentice of the Year competition is made possible thanks to principal sponsor Carters, the Registered Master Builders Federation, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and supporting sponsor the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
• Regional event dates are:
Bay of Plenty/East Coast: Gisborne, August 23
Central South Island: Christchurch, August 28
Auckland and Northern: Takapuna, Auckland, September 4
Waikato: Hamilton, September 5
Upper South Island: Nelson, September 5
Central North Island: Palmerston North, September 6
Wellington and Wairarapa: Wellington, September 6
Southern: Dunedin, September 13
