Winter may bring chilly and wet weather, but a big highlight for the BCITO is that it’s also a season of celebration for many of its trade sectors and apprentices. BCITO staff have recently rubbed shoulders with the best of the best in many industry sectors. Congratulations go to these high achievers.
NZ Painting & Decorating Apprentice of the Year Awards, held in conjunction with the Master Painters New Zealand conference in Wellington in June.
Regional award winners were:
Northern: Mailefihi Pasakala, J R Webb,
Auckland Central: Hona Spratt, Braddock Decorators,
Wellington Southern: Imche Cole, Brown & Syme Holdings,
Christchurch The top performer and overall winner of the NZ Painting & Decorating Apprentice of the Year was Hona Spratt.
“My painting apprenticeship has changed my life so much for the better,” Hona says. “I’m passionate about what I do, and see a great future in this business for me.” Hona has worked his way up through the ranks at Braddock Decorators.
He began his career during the school holidays working for pocket money. Now he’s a project manager with the company, is in charge of eight painters, and is responsible for delivering jobs on time and to a high standard.
BCITO Flooring Apprentice of the Year Awards, held in Christchurch on July 16. Coromandel flooring apprentice Stafford Moody of Fagans’ NZ Ltd from Whitianga won the Supreme Flooring Apprentice of the Year Award, as well as being named BCITO Stage Three Flooring Apprentice of the Year.
The award was based on his performance at the Allied Trades Institute while undertaking off-job training. Principal tutor Jeff Henry says Stafford worked tirelessly to hone his finishing skills, and always showed good logic with his decisions.
Stafford was stoked when he was named the Stage Three Flooring Apprentice of the Year. “It was a bit unexpected. There were two other classes and so you never know who is there and how good they are, but I’m very happy,” he says.
Other award winners presented at the event were:
BCITO Stage One Flooring Apprentice of the Year: Nathan Weston, Hays Carpet Laying,
Hawkes Bay BCITO Stage Two Flooring Apprentice of the Year: Richard Blomfield, Van Dyk Installations,
Putaruru BCITO Flooring Planning and Design Trainee of the Year: Paul Williams, The Flooring Centre, Riccarton, Christchurch
Villars Trophy, a special recognition award for outstanding commitment and dedication:
Benjamin Meiste, James Henry Joinery & Flooring, Upper Hutt
Master Joiners Apprentice Awards, held in Wellington on June 27.
David Irvine of Barrett Joinery Ltd, Timaru, is this year’s recipient of the BCITO’s Ernie Jelinek Cup for the Most Promising Joinery Apprentice.
The BCITO was also proud to sponsor the following awards at the event:
People’s Choice 0-4000 hours: Ashley Hollamby, Lee Brothers Joinery, Rotorua
People’s Choice 4001-8000 hours: Michael Good, Peter Howley Joinery, Invercargill
The BCITO values the opportunity to share in celebrating all high-achieving apprentices who aspire to be industries’ leaders of the future.
This event was a spectacular showcase of the importance the Association places on celebrating excellence. Glass & Glazing Association and Window Association of NZ Awards, held in Auckland in June.
Anthony Bergman of Metro Performance Glass, Christchurch, is this year’s recipient of the Most Promising Glass & Glazing Apprentice award. Also presented at this event was the award for the Most Promising Architectural Aluminium Joinery Apprentice. Ashley Hooker of Frankton Aluminium Ltd was the proud recipient.
National Kitchen & Bathroom Association Conference, held in Napier in August. Gillian Flynn of Kitchen Inspirations, Pukekohe, was presented with the Judy Bark Cup and awarded the title of New Zealand’s Most Promising Design Student 2015.
These events are a wonderful opportunity to catch up with employers and stakeholders around the country. The BCITO will be celebrating more high achievers skills and talents at the RMB Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year competition in early October
