Dane Schnell’s impressive judges interview and rocket ship creation blasts him ahead of rival finalists.
Twenty-three-year-old Dane Schnell has taken out the title of Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2022 Apprentice of the Year. Schnell, from Auckland, is currently employed by Coastal Concepts, and completed his training through the BCITO, a business division of Te Pukenga.
The top eight carpentry apprentices from all around New Zealand came together in Auckland to compete in the final stages of the competition which included a practical skills test and interview.
This year’s six-hour practical component challenged the apprentices to each create a rocket ship to donate to early learning centres through Evolve Education Group. Following the practical challenge, the apprentices completed a 45-minute face-to-face interview with the national 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.
The national competition was celebrated with the finalists and their employers, family and friends at a gala awards dinner in Auckland.
Every year the competition is a chance for the industry to recognise the important role that a strong pipeline of talent plays. Apprentice of the Year celebrates developing talent, and showcases the opportunities available to carpentry apprentices.
Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly was impressed with the group’s talent and their commitment to being the best in their field, especially during our current environment.
“Learning new skills and applying oneself is challenging at the best of times, but doing so under the conditions of the past two years is a testament to their dedication and commitment,” Kelly says.
“Leadership in our industry matters. We look at our up-and-coming apprentices and assess their aspirations to see how we can provide fulfilling career pathways, within the sector.
Well rounded and ambitious
The judging panel said Dane was a well-rounded and ambitious apprentice. “He excels on the tools and on the field — representing Birkenhead United in the National Football League. He has clear plans for his future and knows what he needs to do in order to get there,” they said.
“His practical challenge was very impressive. Despite a turbulent start he was the first one to finish the rocket ship, completing it to an extremely high standard.
“The same could be said for the other areas of the competition. He excelled in his interview, answering technical questions very competently.
“Well done, Dane. The standard amongst our national finalists this year was very high, and you have done an excellent job in taking out first place. We look forward to watching your future closely,” the judging panel said.
Runner-up went to Paulo Oliveira, 29, from the Northern Region, employed by TP Builders. Chris Foy, 21, from the Waikato region, employed by Urban Homes was awarded third place. Both are also completing their training through the BCITO, a business division of Te Pukenga.
Both of these apprentices were very strong contenders, the judging panel said.
Effective communication
“Paulo only arrived in New Zealand five years ago with no English. He communicated effectively throughout the competition, and he has done exceptionally well to get where he is today.
Chris was the youngest competitor in this year’s competition at 21 years old. However, that didn’t stop him, taking out a well-deserved third place,” the judges said.
A huge congratulations go to all eight national finalists who proudly represented their respective regions. Each had to compete against more than 100 other apprentices in their local competitions, which is a significant achievement.
Apprentice of the Year would not be possible without its national sponsor family. The loyalty of the sponsors and their investment in the competition and the industry in general is fantastic, and hugely appreciated.
“Carters remains committed to supporting apprentices from across the country as they build their future in the construction industry,” chief executive Mike Guy says.
“Partnering with the competition is a great way to celebrate emerging talent and our future industry leaders.”
BCITO Director, Jason Hungerford says it is great to see so much support for apprentices and their employers in the competition this year.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to see our sector come together and celebrate the upcoming talent and the industry’s future leaders,” Hungerford says.
“Apprentices coming through our trades training programme are our lifeblood, and it is fantastic to see so many showcasing their craftsmanship and skill. We congratulate all national finalists for their outstanding achievements.”
