The construction industry has seen a boom of entries into its marque carpentry apprentice competition with a 34% increase on 2013.
134 apprentices from across the country have stood up to take part in the Registered Master Builders Carters 2014 Apprentice of the Year, gearing up to compete for the 2014 title and claim their share of more than $100,000 worth of prizes.
RMBA chief executive Warwick Quinn says the increase in entries is a testament to New Zealand’s thriving construction industry.
“The current building boom is a very exciting time for those involved with the industry. It’s great to see that while apprentice numbers are increasing to meet demand, building excellence is still a priority,” he says.
“The competition is an opportunity for apprentices to step up and show potential employers that they are serious about their career. Putting yourself out there to see how you measure up against your peers shows employers and industry leaders that you mean business.”
BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says Apprentice of the Year is an excellent competition for recognising rising stars in the construction industry.
“We are extremely supportive of any endeavour that celebrates apprentices going the extra mile. We’re looking forward to seeing the talent at this year’s competition.”
The Central South Island region has seen a 58% increase in entries, and Northern region entries have grown by 50%. Substantial increases have also been seen in the Wellington/Wairarapa and Southern regions.
All entrants will be interviewed and their written entries judged over June and July, with the first regional Apprentice of the Year awards event taking place in Wellington on Friday August 8.
First place in each region will take home either $2000 to spend at Carters or a $2000 study grant, a spot at an Outward Bound course and a range of products and tools to add to their kit.
Regional winners will also travel to compete at the Apprentice of the Year national competition in Auckland which takes place in October, where the results will be celebrated at a national awards dinner.
Apprentices, employers and young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/apprenticeoftheyear.
For more information visit www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.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 sponsor the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Regional event dates:
Wellington/Wairarapa: Wellington, Friday, August 8
Waikato/Bay of Plenty: Hamilton, Thursday, August 14
Central North Island: Palmerston North, Friday, August 22
Central South Island: Christchurch, Wednesday, August 27
Hawke’s Bay/East Coast: Napier, Friday, August 29
Upper South Island: Blenheim, Thursday, September 4
Auckland/Northern: Auckland, Thursday, September 4
Southern: Invercargill, Friday, September 12
