Entries for the Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year competition have now closed, with 145 apprentices from up and down New Zealand set to compete for the coveted title and a share of more than $100,000 worth of prizes.
RMBA chief executive David Kelly is pleased to note that entry numbers are rising year on year, as construction activity is on the rise in some areas of the country. Entries are particularly strong in the Central North Island, with numbers up 66% from last year.
“It’s fantastic to see more and more apprentices step forward to compete in Apprentice of the Year,” Mr Kelly says. “The competition opens doors for many of the entrants. It is an opportunity for them to prove themselves alongside their peers, and the building and construction community.”
The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) saw a record number of apprentice sign-ups in 2014, reflecting a real commitment from the construction industry. BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says he is proud to support an event which showcases the best of the best in New Zealand carpentry apprentices.
“Apprentice of the Year is an excellent way to recognise and celebrate the talent and passion in the construction industry. “Any event that challenges apprentices and encourages them to be the best that they can be is one we are more than happy to support,” he says.
“With the increase of apprentices signing up to the BCITO, we are excited to see the talent at Apprentice of the Year 2015.”
Regional judging kicked off at the end of June.
Written entries will be judged and entrants will be interviewed as the judging panel works to find a top apprentice in each of the 10 regions. The winning apprentice from each region will then go on to compete for the national title of Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year.
Each winner will receive $2000 to spend at Carters, a spot at an Outward Bound course and a range of products and tools.
Winners from each region will come together at the Apprentice of the Year national competition in Auckland in October, which includes a practical element of a build for charity. These results will be celebrated at a national awards gala dinner at The Cloud.
Regional event dates:
Central North Island: New Plymouth, Friday, August 21
Wellington/Wairarapa: Wellington, Friday, August 21
Auckland: Auckland, Thursday, August 27
Northern: Auckland, Friday, August 28
Upper South Island: Nelson, Saturday, August 29
Bay of Plenty: Tauranga, Thursday, September 3
Southern: Dunedin, Friday, September 4
Hawke’s Bay/East Coast: Gisborne, Friday, September 11
Waikato: Hamilton, Friday, September 11
Central South Island: Christchurch, Thursday, August 20
Apprentices, employers and young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/apprenticeoftheyear
For more information visit www.apprenticeof theyear.co.nz.
Owned by the Registered Master Builders Association, the Apprentice of the Year competition is made possible thanks to principal sponsor Carters, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and supporting sponsor the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
