Introducing the 2016 Apprentice of the Year finalists

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The future leaders of New Zealand’s construction industry are preparing for a showdown at the Registered Master Builders Carters 2016 Apprentice of the Year competition next month.

Each finalist demonstrated high level knowledge and skills in their respective regional competitions, earning them the title of regional Apprentice of the Year and a place at the national competition in November.

The apprentices will undergo a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel, before competing in a practical carpentry challenge where each apprentice will be tasked with building a playhouse to be donated to local schools.

The practical challenge will take place at The Cloud in Auckland on November 4, and will be open to the public.

The winner of the Registered Master Builders Carters 2016 Apprentice of the Year will be announced at an awards dinner also on November 4.

We wish all the finalists good luck in the competition as they make their mark in the construction industry.

The finalists are:


Toby Chapman-Smith
Northern

The 27-year-old from Auckland’s North Shore trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and is employed by Court Construction.

Judges said Toby’s experience within the industry, his previous study experience as an architect, and enthusiasm for the trades, makes him a stand-out apprentice.

“Toby displayed complete comprehension of his project — from technical knowledge to supreme workmanship. He is able to approach and deal with issues.

“Toby is an outstanding, well-trained builder with an excellent attitude. He is a credit to the industry and his employer.”

Kadin Murray
Auckland

The 20-year-old from Pokeno trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and is employed by Licensed Renovations.

Judges were impressed with his skill and high quality of work throughout the competition, and said he’s a well-deserving winner of the regional award.

“Kadin presented an impressive entry submission which demonstrated a great understanding of the building industry and its regulations. He displayed a high level of knowledge about health and safety, and handled this aspect of the competition with complete competence.

“Kadin is a well-respected member of a progressive building company, and receives strong support from his employer and colleagues.”

Ethan Inglis
Bay of Plenty Central Plateau

The 22-year-old from Tauranga trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and is employed by Skilled Building Solutions.

Judges said Ethan is an outstanding individual who shows maturity beyond his 22 years, and is a worthy winner of the Bay of Plenty Central Plateau Apprentice of the Year.

“Ethan is confident and leads by example in all facets of the building process. His knowledge of the building site, ability to identify potential problems and support with quality solutions was second to none. He is a stand-out performer with confidence and enthusiasm, and the knowledge to back it all up.”

Ryan Tesselaar
Waikato

The 21-year-old from Morrinsville trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and is employed by Foster Construction.

Judges were impressed with Ryan throughout all stages of the competition, saying he is a worthy winner of the Waikato Apprentice of the Year.

“Ryan’s written application was outstanding and very detailed. His project submission was very informative and well presented.

“He has fantastic industry knowledge, including health and safety, licensing and legislation.

“Ryan displays great leadership skills, and it is clear he is well-respected by his peers.”

Jake Pardoe
Hawke’s Bay East Coast

The 21-year-old from Hastings trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and is employed by M & M Tibbles Construction.

Judges said Jake is an outstanding young man who has a bright future awaiting him, and is a worthy winner of the Hawkes Bay East Coast Apprentice of the Year.

“Jake demonstrated a wide range of skills throughout each step in the competition, impressing us during his project submission, interview and site visit.

“Jake’s experience in a hands-on apprenticeship, involving all aspects of the building process, has provided a great foundation for his future.”

Callum Bryson
Central North Island

The 24-year-old from Palmerston North trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and is employed by McMillan & Lockwood PN Ltd.

Judges said Callum is the complete package, making him a worthy winner of the Central North Island Apprentice of the Year.

“Callum is a highly capable young man, and meets all the qualities we are looking for in our future building industry leaders.

“Callum’s building knowledge allowed him to speak with an excellent level of confidence and maturity during the judging.

“He had a proactive and easy manner, and a great sense of humour. He is reliable, and if we had Callum working on a building job, we would never need to check up on him!”

Andrew Press
Wellington Wairarapa

The 24-year-old from Upper Hutt trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and is employed by Hutt City Builders.

Judges said Andrew is a worthy recipient of the Wellington Wairarapa Apprentice of the Year, and praised him for his wide range of building knowledge and great eye for detail.

“Andrew impressed us with his quality project management, his leadership skills in running a building site, and his high standard of workmanship.

“He has great overall knowledge of the building process, including health and safety and building products.

“Andrew is the type of builder you want in your team. He is dependable and goes the extra mile. He is a role model for others, and has a great rapport with all of his colleagues. Andrew will go a long way with his building career.”

Wade Puklowski
Upper South Island

The 23-year-old from Nelson trained through the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), and is employed by Coman Construction.

Judges were impressed with Wade’s high level of maturity, his industry knowledge and his awareness of all aspects of his construction project.

“Wade has a fantastic understanding of the building industry, and demonstrated he can identify and manage issues on his project.

“His passion for building was exemplified at both his interview and site visit. He has a remarkable curiosity which has helped him understand, and be able to explain, complicated building processes.

“Wade has set out some exceptional goals for his future. His passion and drive will take him far in the industry.”

Jono Blakely
Central South Island

The 20-year-old from Kennedy in Christchurch trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and is employed by Andrew James Builders Ltd.

Judges said Jono displayed great confidence and technical knowledge on his project. They are confident that he will do the region proud at the upcoming national competition.

“Jono displayed leadership with his interaction with subtrades, and a strong commitment to health and safety. He is a highly valued apprentice by his employer, who describes him as methodical with a high degree of initiative.”

Ben Bringans
Southern

The 22-year-old from Oamaru trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and is employed by Banks’s Building Services Ltd.

Judges were impressed by Ben throughout the entire judging process, and are confident he will be a very capable representative for the Southern Region at the national competition.

“Ben is a very organised and systematic builder with excellent knowledge of the construction industry. His positivity and confidence allow him to communicate well with his employer, clients and peers. With his high standard of workmanship and leadership skills, he has a very strong future in the construction industry.”

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