Entries are about to close for the Registered Master Builders 2010 Apprentice of the Year, in association with Carters.
In addition to regional and national titles, there is more than $100,000 in prizes up for grabs, which includes 10 places on the Outward Bound Leadership Programme for the regional winners.
Held in 10 regions throughout the country, the competition aims to find and reward outstanding carpentry apprentices, and bring attention to the wide variety of career opportunities in the construction industry.
As well as completing a comprehensive entry form including references from their employer and training advisor, entrants will undergo an interview with a judging panel made up of representatives from the Registered Master Builders, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation and Carters.
Up to 10 regional finalists will then be selected and the judges will undertake a site visit to determine the regional winner.
Registered Master Builders Federation chief executive Warwick Quinn believes the competition is a great way to encourage young builders to grow and showcase their skills.
“The Apprentice of the Year competition gives industry players the chance to check out the trade’s fresh new talent, and serves as a benchmark which continually drives excellence in training and professional development,” Mr Quinn says.
Last year’s national Apprentice of the Year, Nathan Biggs, says he found the regional competition a lot of fun.
“I love meeting new people so I found my interview with the judging panel really exciting. It wasn’t daunting at all,” he says.
“Since winning the Apprentice of the Year I’ve been flooded with opportunities and my career has really taken off. It’s a great way to get up the ladder and to make your mark, while earning the respect of your workmates, bosses and the industry.”
The competition is made possible with the help of principal sponsor Carters, the Registered Master Builders Federation, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation, and supporting sponsor the Department of Building and Housing.
Entries for Apprentice of the Year are open until 30 June 2010. For further information, or to download an entry form, go to www.masterbuilder.org.nz. Entry forms can also be collected from Carters stores nationwide.
Apprentices can also check out the RMB Carters Apprentice of the Year Facebook page at www.facebook.com.
