Pierre Gargiulo, 22, of Harewood, Christchurch, has won the inaugural Registered Master Builders Carters 2005 Apprentice of the Year competition for the Canterbury region. Pierre was presented with his award by Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore, Registered Master Builders Federation chief executive Pieter Burghout, Carters regional manager Iain Osborne and Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) chairman Peter Robson.
The competition aims to foster and encourage the training and development of young carpentry apprentices. Entrants are judged on their practical skills, knowledge of the building sector and materials, and the way they relate to people. Endorsement from their employer and education institution is also taken into account. Pierre, a carpentry apprentice for DJ Hewitt Builders in Christchurch, says he is thrilled to win the prestigious competition.
Richard Rozbicki from the judging panel said Pierre showed a high calibre of building expertise, demonstrated a superior balance between the demands of work and study and was highly respected by his employer, as evidenced by his current position of foreman.
Another judge, and award-winning builder Clive Barrington, agreed when he spoke at the awards function. “These awards and the 10 regional finalists have restored my faith in the young people of today,” he said. Mr Burghout says the Registered Master Builders Federation is committed to industry training, and the Apprentice of the Year awards helps to encourage young people into the sector.
“The construction industry is an excellent career choice, and rewarding successful apprentices is a great way to nurture and grow the future of the sector,” Mr Burghout says. “These awards provide an incentive for trainees and demonstrate the kind of personal and trade skills we are looking for in our young people coming through.”
Katrina Osborn, spokesperson from principal sponsor Carters, agrees. “Apprentices are the key to the construction sector’s future. Carters wants to support young tradespeople as they gain the skills and experience they need to build successful careers,” she says.
Pierre receives an Outward Bound Leadership course to the value of $3500 and a study grant of $2500. The Registered Master Builders Carters 2005 Apprentice of the Year is supported by principal sponsor Carters, and supporting sponsor the BCITO.
For more information on the competition, contact your local Carters store, the BCITO or visit www.masterbuilder.org.nz.
• Building Today will be covering the four other regional Registered Master Builders Carters 2005 Apprentice of the Year competitions in future issues.
