Nine carpentry apprentices from up and down the country were set to compete for the title of Registered Master Builders Carters 2014 Apprentice of the Year at the national competition on Friday, October 17, 2014.
The 2014 Apprentice of the Year national finalists are:
Northern: Kyran Vaniperen, 25, of Mangonui, employed by Coastal Homes
Judges comments: “Kyran had good safety systems in place and received positive feedback from his employer. He is a highly organised and well-rounded builder with excellent people skills.”
Kyran presented the judges with his work on a residential new build with a range of interesting features, including internal raking walls built on-site using the Pythagoras theorem, trigonometry and site plans.
Auckland: Cody Webby, 20, of Pakuranga, Auckland, employed by Licensed Renovations
Judges comments: “Cody has a good understanding of building techniques, codes and the regulatory environment. He had a well put together entry submission, and his site visit continued the strong showing he had at the interview stage. He was well supported by his employers who spoke in glowing terms of skill, attitude and ability to work with other team members. Cody is a deserving winner in a field of very competent apprentices.”
Cody presented judges with his work on a renovation of a 1950-60s house in Panmure, where he was involved in the development of a new layout, extension and decking.
Waikato/Bay of Plenty: Matthew Frost, 22, of Matamata, employed by Gudsell Designer Homes
Judges comments: “It was evident from the start that Matthew is an apprentice with real ability to run a building site and who has control over all facets of the build. All questions asked of him received answers that clearly demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of his industry. Matthew is well-liked by his peers, and the judges recognised his commitment to the trade.”
Matthew presented judges with his work on a residential new build in Matamata.
Hawke’s Bay/East Coast: William Ellis, 24, of Hawke’s Bay, employed by Redmond Builders and Construction
Judges comments: “William’s professionalism, project knowledge and ability to engage in detailed discussions of the build process stood out from other candidates. He maintained professional conduct throughout his interview and site visit, where he had the full support of his employer and his work team.”
William presented the judges with his work on a family home in Havelock North which came with a spate of challenging architectural features, including walls clad with two different products and a 903 sq m roof area constructed with three layers.
Central North Island: Ryan Smith-Pilling, 20, of Palmerston North, employed by Nailing It
Judges comments: “Ryan is a passionate, dedicated and loyal builder. He is incredibly knowledgeable, demonstrating a high level of skill and an aptitude for problem solving.”
Ryan presented the judges with his work on a 240 sq m, four-bedroom home, with three split levels and built on a 15 degree sloped section.
Wellington: Ryan Lake, 21, of Wellington, employed by Peter Camp Builders
Judges comments: “Ryan’s skills and knowledge were highlighted during the interview and site visit, and it is clear that he has a passion for doing a job properly. Ryan stood out with extensive knowledge of the commercial project he submitted for AOY, and his toolkit was one of the best ever seen in the competition. The high level of detail and finish required on this job is a credit to his abilities.”
Ryan presented judges with his work on new generator housing, involving pile drilling, new concrete slab, structural steel work, sound control and fire rated systems.
Upper South Island: Jesse Walker, 22, of Tasman, employed by Coman Construction
Judges comments: “Jesse displayed great passion and maturity in his craft and trade for someone so young. He presented himself very well in both manner and dress, and we were impressed with his respect for the company he works for.”
Jesse presented the judges with his work on a 650 sq m building in Nelson, where he was actively involved right from site establishment and the set-out stage through to practical completion.
Central South Island: Tom Southen, 22, of Avonhead, Christchurch, employed by Farmbuild
Judges comments: “Tom’s involvement in his project from site set-out to handover required a high degree of planning and a clear technical understanding of various structural and finishing materials. He displayed leadership across his interaction with clients and sub-trades, and ensured a high level of health and safety procedures. Tom’s toolkit, work vehicle and overall personal presentation were nothing short of exemplary, displaying attributes any professional builder would be proud of.”
Tom presented the judges with his work on a large woolshed with foundations 2000mm deep at one end of the building and 1200mm at the other.
Southern: David Gare, 24, of Invercargill, employed by Barry Stewart Builders
Judges comments: “At David’s site visit his high standards of leadership and passion for his project were clear. His assured manner and obvious skills are a credit to him — David has what it takes to become a true building professional.”
David presented the judges with his work on the construction of a 14-unit apartment complex, where he was responsible for updating the Site Specific Safety Plan, establishing site boundaries and building location, and construction of exterior stairs.
