Badham takes out RMB CARTERS 2021 Apprentice of the Year title

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Eight of the 10 finalists attended an event in Wellington recently. Winner Jarred Badham is fourth from right.

Jarred Badham from the Central North Island Region has built his way to the top, taking out the title as this year’s Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2021 Apprentice of the Year.

The top 10 carpentry apprentices from all around Aotearoa came together in Wellington to complete the final stages of the competition — which this year looked slightly different due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Those apprentices who were able to attend in person completed a 45-minute face-to-face interview with the judging panel, made up of leading building experts.

In the interview, the apprentices were asked to discuss a recent building project which they submitted in the weeks leading up to the national competition.

Those who could not travel to Wellington, completed their interviews with the judges virtually.

As part of this year’s national competition, and to support their development, the apprentices toured a large-scale commercial construction site, a residential project, and a previous House of the Year-winning home.

Badham, 29, is from the Central North Island Region, is currently employed by Nailing It, and is completing his training with the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.

Judges were most impressed by Badham’s ability to go the extra mile in all aspects of the competition, and in his apprenticeship.

“Jarred has an extremely good understanding and knowledge of the industry and strong working relationships.

“What stood out was his experience in using innovative products. During his apprenticeship, Jarred has already had the experience of working with transportable housing, and other alternative products.

“Prior to becoming a carpentry apprentice, Jarred trained in the air force as a helicopter technician. This is where he may have developed his hunger for product knowledge and his excellent technical detail.

“Jarred’s presentation was impeccable, and he was well prepared. He scored highly in all areas. A very well-deserved win,” Apprentice of the Year judges said.

Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly was impressed with the group’s talent, and their resilience in the face of a very different competition to usual.

“It’s encouraging to see these apprentices step up in a time where things can feel very uncertain,” Kelly says.

“The competition did look a little different this year. However, I am extremely impressed with the level of skill, knowledge, and dedication the apprentices have displayed.

“Learning new skills and applying themselves is challenging at the best of times, but doing so under the conditions of the past 18 months is a real testament to their dedication and commitment.”

Runner-up was Hayden Lambert, 26, from the Waikato region. Third place went to Joshua Fraser, 23, from Auckland.

Committed to supporting apprentices and the industry’s future leaders, CARTERS chief executive Mike Guy says the company is really proud to have been sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year competition for 17 years.

“In that time, we’ve seen some incredibly talented apprentices go on to have really successful careers,” Guy says.

“CARTERS remains committed to supporting Kiwi apprentices as they build their future in the construction industry. Partnering with the competition is a great way to celebrate emerging talent and our future industry leaders.”

Before qualifying for the national competition, each of the top 10 apprentices competed with other apprentices in their region.

This involved a written project submission, a two-hour regional practical challenge, and an interview and site visit.

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