Shaun Campbell, from the Upper South Island region, has been named the country’s top carpentry apprentice, taking out the national award at the Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year competition.
The 10 national finalists put their skills to the test in a demanding practical challenge where they were tasked with building a children’s playhouse, to be gifted to a local charity. Shaun’s playhouse won the judges over, and will be donated to Head2Head.
Matt Booth, 24, employed by Excel Builders in the Central North Island region and trained through the BCITO, was placed second in the competition. Bryce Pemberton, 22 and employed by Fletcher Construction in Wellington and trained through the BCITO, was third.
Shaun Campbell, 20, trained through the BCITO and employed by Inhaus Developments, won the national title and a range of prizes, including the use of a Ford Ranger Ute for a year courtesy of Carters, an iPad courtesy of the MBIE, and a fantastic range of tools.
The judges said Shaun’s passion for building really set him apart.
Converting passion into quality work
“We were impressed by Shaun’s ability to convert his passion into quality work, and deliver in a commercial time frame. He is a strong all rounder who scored excellent marks across all stages of the competition,” they said.
“His work in the practical challenge was of particular note, scoring very highly across all aspects. He is looking forward to one day taking over the company he works for, and the brand his father has built.”
The 10 finalists worked hard over the two days of the national competition, each undergoing a 45-minute interview with the judging panel, followed by the practical judging component in front of friends, family, charity representatives and the general public.
The gala dinner awards evening, hosted by MC and radio host Jay Reeve, was held at The Cloud in Auckland.
Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly says he was thrilled to see more than 145 young apprentices step up to compete in the national competition this year.
“It has been fantastic to witness the future leaders in the construction sector. As construction activity continues to increase, particularly in Auckland, it’s a great time to recognise the best of the best in our industry, and celebrate the quality workmanship amongst the group. It’s safe to say our industry is in very safe hands.
“Congratulations to Shaun, Matt and Bryce who have done our industry proud. We look forward to watching them grow as future Registered Master Builders, building quality and well-crafted projects in New Zealand.”
Carters national sales manager Rob Watson says Carters is proud to support such a highly regarded competition in the construction industry that recognises the new talent entering the sector.
“Carters is committed to ongoing education. As the building industry continues to grow, it is vital that we are training and mentoring these young apprentices to a high standard.
“Congratulations to Shaun and the other nine finalists for demonstrating such skill, passion and hard work throughout the competition. Carters looks forward to constructing lasting partnerships with the future leaders of the building industry.”
Apprentices, employers and young people aspiring to be a part of the building industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/apprenticeoftheyear, or follow us on Twitter: @AOY_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 sponsors the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and APL through their Altherm, First and Vantage brands.
The national finalists were:
Jacob Hesketh, 23, from Takapuna, Auckland, employed by PHD Construction and trained through the BCITO.
Daniel van Tiel, 24, from Karaka, Auckland, employed by Van Der Putten Construction Ltd and trained through the BCITO.
Jamie Russell, 22, from Mount Maunganui, employed by Skilled Building Solutions and trained through the BCITO.
Nick Brodribb, 23, from Hamilton, employed by Dave Stroobant Building and trained through the BCITO.
Troy Matheson, 23, from Napier, employed by Redmond Builders and trained through the BCITO.
Matt Booth, 24, from Palmerston North, employed by Excel Builders and trained through the BCITO.
Bryce Pemberton, 22, from Lower Hutt, employed by Fletcher Construction and trained through the BCITO.
Shaun Campbell, 20, from Nelson, employed by Inhaus Developments Ltd and trained through the BCITO
Hamish Ward, 26, from Christchurch, employed by Leighs Construction and trained through CPIT.
Cale Marshall, 25, from Queenstown, employed by Mainframe and trained through the BCITO.
