Monday 3 October

Top building apprentice in Bay of Plenty region announced

Opotiki apprentice Tom Storey has been named the Bay of Plenty Region Registered Master Builders Carters 2011 Apprentice of the Year.

The 20 year old, employed by Simon Linton Building Ltd in Ohope and trained by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation, received praise from competition judges who say they were very impressed with each aspect of Tom’s entry.

“Tom showed enthusiasm, precision, passion and innovation. His ability to relate to clients, fellow workers and sub-trades is evident in the detail and results of each job,” judges said.

“He possesses a strong knowledge of industry best building practices, traditional carpentry and up to date building trends,” they said.

Second place in the regional competition went to Hayden White, 25, of Opotiki, who is employed by Multi Skilled Builders. Third place went to David Beattie, 24, of Tauranga, employed by GAP Construction Group Ltd.

As part of the entry process, each apprentice was asked to submit a project that they are most proud of. Tom presented judges with his work on the recladding of a leaky home in Whakatane

“The quality combined with the complexity of this job truly showed excellence,” judges said.

Tom’s employer Simon Linton says Tom has a hugely enthusiastic approach to his work reflected by his punctuality at the start of each day, and his commitment to the job.

“His confidence in conversing and dealing with clients, sales reps, and subcontractors is a great benefit. It allows him to have a clear understanding of what is required,” Mr Linton says.

“I am sure the dedication he has shown will set him on the right course once he has completed his qualification,” he says.

RMBF Chief Executive Warwick Quinn says this year’s entrants are exactly the calibre of skilled professionals the building and construction sector needs to take it into the future.

“It is reassuring to see so many high quality young apprentices taking on the challenge of the Apprentice of the Year. Having folk like this prepared to step up and push themselves to be the best is good for our industry and showcases building as a great career option for others,” Mr Quinn says.

Brent Waldron, Chief Executive of principal sponsor Carters, says Carters was keen to continue its support for the Apprentice of the Year award this year.

“Carters is a business that exists for building industry trade customers and it is our desire to assist talented young people to make a career for themselves in our industry. We also recognise the commitment of the New Zealand builders who take these young people under their wing and help to train the builders of the future,” he says.

The awards evening, held at the Mount Life Guards Service Centre in Mount Maunganui on Friday 30 September, was well attended with guests including apprentices’ family, friends, colleagues and industry representatives.

Tom received a specially designed Outward Bound course valued at over $3,600, and either a study grant towards the completion of study or postgraduate study in any construction or business course valued up to $2,000, or $2,000 to spend at Carters towards increasing his toolkit for winning the regional competition. Tom also received a Makita 185mm Circular Saw, a Makita 14.4 volt Drill Driver and Department of Building and Housing merchandise.

Tom will now compete with the top carpentry apprentices from around the country at the national Apprentice of the Year finals in Wellington on October 29.

Apprentices, employers and those young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join up to the Facebook page www.facebook.com/apprenticeoftheyear.

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