Last call for entries in carpentry competition

Media release: 28 June 2011

Last call for entries in carpentry competition

Carpentry apprentices are encouraged to get in quick with entries due to
close on Thursday, June 30 for the Registered Master Builders Carters
2011 Apprentice of the Year.

With more than $100,000 in prizes up for grabs, including places on a
specially designed Outward Bound Leadership Programme for regional
winners, the competition is well-worthwhile.

Apprentice of the Year aims to reward and celebrate exceptional
carpentry training, with events held in 10 regions across the country,
and followed by a National event in Wellington in October.

After submitting their entry, which includes details of a building
project they're particularly proud of, entrants will undergo an
interview with a judging panel made up of representatives from the
Registered Master Builders Federation, the Building and Construction
Training Organisation and Carters.

Entrants will be assessed on their personal qualities, their industry
knowledge and a completed project that best shows off their skills as a
carpentry apprentice.

Judges will then undertake site visits to determine the regional winner.

Registered Master Builders Federation chief executive Warwick Quinn
believes the Apprentice of the Year competition is a key component of
encouraging new talent into the building industry.

"We're all very aware of the demands that are very shortly to be placed
on our industry and we need as many skilled people coming through the
system as possible," Mr Quinn said.

"This competition is integral to highlighting building and construction
as a fantastic career path proven through the success of the employers
who support their staff to enter."

Last year's national winner, Isaac Alder, rated his Apprentice of the
Year experience highly.

"The practical aspect of the [National] competition was really
important; it's one thing to talk the talk, but performing under
pressure really made the competition for me," Isaac said.

Rhys Doesburg, 2010 second place getter, also encourages young
apprentices to enter.

"It's nice to know that you're up there with the best, and it reaffirms
that you're on the right track and have the right ideas," Rhys said.
"The competition gave me a lot of confidence and it opened a lot of
doors for me."

Entries for Apprentice of the Year are open until June 30, 2011. For
further information, or to download an entry form, go to
www.masterbuilder.org.nz, www.carters.co.nz or www.bcito.org.nz. Entry
forms can also be collected from Carters stores nationwide.

Apprentices, employers and those young people aspiring to be a part of
the construction industry are encouraged to join up to the Facebook page
by searching RMB Carters Apprentice of the Year at www.facebook.com
.

Ends

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