Competition building as top tradies step up to the challenge

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Entries for the Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2018 Apprentice of the Year have now closed, with more than 130 apprentices entering from across the country.

They will go head to head for the sought-after title and a share of more than $100,000 worth of prizes.

With New Zealand currently facing its biggest-ever building boom, this competition comes at the perfect time to highlight the urgent need for more apprentices.

Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly says Apprentice of the Year showcases the attractiveness of a career in the trades.

“Apprenticeships offer the chance to earn as you learn and to be a part of an industry with strong job prospects and opportunities for growth,” Mr Kelly says.

“With the construction skills shortage currently facing the industry, the value of an apprenticeship has never been higher.”

This year, Registered Master Builders has introduced an award for employers who have had an apprentice win three regional titles. This celebrates employers who are investing in apprentices and investing in the future workforce.

“Training and developing our workforce is vital for New Zealand’s economic growth and development in this period of unprecedented demand. It is fantastic to see many prominent building companies continuing to enter their apprentices in the competition each year.

“By investing in apprentices, these employers are not only providing them with career opportunities, but are future-proofing their businesses and the construction industry.

“It is great to see so many talented apprentices stepping up to make their mark on the industry through this competition. They will go on to become the future leaders of the industry, and we wish them all the best as the regional competitions gets underway.”

This year, apprentices will put their skills to the test in the first-ever regional practical challenge.

Apprentices will also be judged on their initial entry submission, with the top 10 in each region progressing to an interview with the judging panel, and an on-site visit where contestants will discuss their project.

Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) chief executive Warwick Quinn says they are proud to support a competition that fosters young talent in the construction industry.

“We know the construction industry needs at least 25,000 qualified people in the next five years to meet demand. However, new research conducted by the BCITO has found that only 2.4% of school leavers start a BCITO apprenticeship within their first year after leaving school,” he says.

“We need thousands more apprentices each year, which means attracting new recruits to the industry is critical. The opportunity to earn while you learn and having the first two years of eligible programmes free of fees makes apprenticeships an excellent choice for school leavers.

“Apprentice of the Year is a fantastic way to promote this by showing young people the opportunity and growth that exists in the trades. We look forward to watching these talented apprentices grow into leaders of the future.”

The winning apprentice from each region will receive $2000 to spend at CARTERS, a place at an Outward Bound course, and a range of products and tools.

All entrants receive an apprenticeship membership to the Registered Master Builders Association.

The regional winners will then go on to compete at the Apprentice of the Year national competition in Auckland in November. They will be vying for the national title of Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2018 Apprentice of the Year.

The Registered Master Builders CARTERS 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).

 

2018 regional event dates:

 

Waikato: Friday, August 10

Northern/Auckland: Thursday, August 23

Central South Island: Thursday, August 23

Hawke’s Bay/East Coast: Friday, August 24

Lower North Island: Friday, August 24

Southern: Friday, August 24 

Bay of Plenty Central Plateau: Friday, August 31

Central North Island: Friday, August 31

Upper South Island: Friday, September 7

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