Jack Nevines from Auckland has been named the 2023 Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year, in partnership with CARTERS.
Eight carpentry apprentices from across New Zealand made their way to Auckland to compete in the final stages of the national competition on November 10 and 11. Across the two-day event, starting at CONZTRUCT Auckland North, the apprentices were challenged with a six-hour practical skills test and a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel.
The apprentices crafted a work bench for the practical component, which will be donated to early learning centres through Evolve Education Group. The project was highly technical, leaving no room for error.
Employed by Faulkner Construction and completing his training through BCITO, a business division of Te Pukenga, Nevines was announced as the well-deserved winner at the National Awards Gala dinner.
Judges were most impressed by Jack’s natural ability to lead, and the faultless management of his project, which he spoke to during his interview.
“Jack’s extensive knowledge of the building code, methodology and building products stood out, and showed his great interest and understanding of the industry,” judges said.
“In the final stages of the competition, his skills all came together to demonstrate his top-class craftsmanship.”
Nevine’s prize included a CARTERS Business Tools Grant — $5000 to further his career — and the use of a brand new Ute for one year, proudly provided by CARTERS.
In the 20 years since the first Apprentice of the Year competition, the industry has more than doubled in size. Now the fifth biggest sector in New Zealand, Stats NZ reports there has been a 135% increase in jobs in the construction industry in the past two decades — and this growth has also coincided with increased diversity.
Registered Master Builders Association president Johnny Calley says the perception towards construction as a career has positively changed, with BCITO, Te Pukenga reporting that more than 6% of the sector is now made up of women, alongside wider awareness of the benefits of a career in the trades.
This is reflected in this year’s competition, with Jess Nielsen taking out third place, making her the first-ever woman to place in the national competition.
“Not only are we seeing an increase of more female building apprentices, but many people now are entering the trade as a second or third career choice,” Calley says.
“A better understanding of the sector has led to the transition away from a traditional ‘blue-collar’ workforce to a widely respected industry that is attractive to a diverse range of people,” Calley says.
He reflects on how the sector has evolved in the past two decades, highlighting the impact that changes in regulations and the role of specialised subcontractors has had on how we now build.
“When I started my career builders would do everything from laying concrete to installing insulation and roofing iron. In today’s environment those types of processes are carried out by specialised subcontractors which has created efficiencies.
“Another transformation is how the industry is regulated. When I started anyone could pick up a hammer and call themselves a builder.
“But with the introduction of the Licensed Building Practitioners scheme you now need to meet the certification standards to sign off restricted building works. This has lifted the quality of our builds and the workforce.”
Over the past two decades, the competition has celebrated and connected apprentices and their employers.
“Recognising excellence is extremely important. From my experience those apprentices that enter mentoring programmes and competitions like Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year go on to become industry leaders.
“It is a natural progression of testing their ability whilst learning key skill sets that set them apart. I want to congratulate all of those who have had the courage to enter the competition in the last 20 years and, of course, this year’s winners,” Calley says.
Runner-up went to Isaac Posthuma from the Northern region, with Jess Nielsen from the Waikato taking out third place.
“Both of these apprentices were very strong contenders. Issac is an excellent craftsman, and at the young age of 20, he has a bright and fulfilling career in construction ahead of him,” the judges said.
“Jess is the first-ever female apprentice to place in the national competition. She is a highly impressive young person with excellent building knowledge, and she showcased a great level of skill in the national practical competition where she scored very highly,” the judges said.
The gala awards for the national competition signalled the end of the competition, and the finalists, employers, family and friends came together to celebrate their success and hard work throughout the competition.
Committed to standing behind all apprentices as they start their careers, CARTERS chief executive Mike Guy is impressed with the talent the competition brings together year-on-year.
“CARTERS are proud to partner with the Apprentice of the Year competition. It’s great to be able to watch these talented apprentices giving it their all in the competition and growing from the experience.
“We’re committed to supporting apprentices from across the country as they build their careers in the construction industry. Being involved in the competition is a great way to celebrate emerging talent and our future industry leaders,” Guy says.
Before qualifying for the national competition, each of the top eight competed against other apprentices in their region. This involved a written project submission, a two-hour regional practical challenge, an interview, and site visit.
Judges’ comments:
1st Place: Jack Nevines, Auckland Region
Jack performed exceptionally well across all three categories of the competition, impressing the judges at every stage.
Jack showed a natural ability to lead, and the management of his project was faultless. His extensive knowledge of the building code, methodology, and building products stood out, and showed his great interest and understanding of the industry.
In the final stages of the competition, his skills all came together to demonstrate his top-class craftsmanship.
Jack should be extremely proud of this result and the impressive apprentice that he has proved to be.
2nd Place: Isaac Posthuma, Northern Region
Isaac’s performance in the practical competition was most impressive, surpassing any performance witnessed by the judges in the practical component of the competition to date. Any bystander at the practical would agree with this statement.
Isaac is an excellent craftsman, and at the young age of 20 he has a bright and fulfilling career in construction ahead of him. With very few points between this year’s winners, Isaac should be especially proud of himself.
3rd Place: Jess Nielsen, Waikato Region
Jessica is a highly impressive young person. Her building knowledge shone through in her interview, and she also showcased a great level of skill in the national practical competition where she scored very highly.
During her interview, it was clear that Jessica had a very in-depth understanding of her project, and she spoke confidently about the entire build process. Well done Jessica, you have a very bright future ahead of you.
