Winning apprentice thanks skilful mentor

Building apprentice Jacob Hesketh has been named the Northern Region’s Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year.

The 23-year-old from Takapuna trained through BCITO and works for PHD Construction.

Jacob said that he’s fortunate to have been trained by such a skilful builder, who pushes him every day to be the best that he can be.

“One of the most valuable skills I have developed is communicating with clients throughout a project, keeping them up to date and ensuring they are happy.

Judges said Jacob showed a passion for building, and is capable of going far in the construction industry.

“Jacob has excellent communication skills as well as a trade skill set second to none. He is a credit to himself and the training environment he has been fostered in.”

Jacob was awarded a range of products and tools, $2,000 to spend at Carters, and a spot at an Outward Bound Course.

Second place in the Northern region was awarded to Aaron Butler, 20, from Martins Bay and employed by Warkworth Construction. Philip Close, 26 from Belmont and employed by Coast and Country Homes was awarded third place.

The results were announced at an awards evening on Friday 28 August at Massey University in Auckland.

RMBA Chief Executive David Kelly says the outstanding group of contenders this year reflects a real commitment from the construction industry to apprenticeships.

“It’s been fantastic to see the skill and commitment of these 145 young apprentices as they make their way towards becoming Master Builders. It’s safe to say the future of the construction industry is in extremely safe hands and the public should be reassured that these young people are intent on achieving the very best quality in their craft,” he says.

“This competition gives us a glimpse of the capability and determination amongst New Zealand’s apprentices, and has given them a chance to demonstrate their hard work and passion for construction.”

Mr Kelly says the growth in apprentice numbers was a real step forward for the sector.

Carters Chief Executive Mike Guy says supporting Apprentice of the Year not only demonstrates Carters' commitment to on-going education, but also recognises the new talent entering the construction industry.

Carters National Sales Manager Rob Watson places importance on constructing lasting partnerships with the future leaders of the building trade.

“As the building industry continues to grow, the training and mentorship of new talent is vital to the future of our industry. Apprentice of the Year supports that excellence, and helps apprentices gain invaluable recognition in the industry,” he says.

Jacob will compete against the winners from the other nine regions at the national competition in Auckland, on 8 and 9 October.

Each finalist will undergo a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel. They will then compete in a practical carpentry challenge where each apprentice will be tasked with building a play house to be donated to local charities. The practical challenge will take place at The Cloud onOctober 9 and will be open to the public.

The winner of the Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year will then be announced at an awards dinner at The Cloud that evening.

Apprentices, employers and young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page atwww.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 sponsors the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and APL through their Altherm, First and Vantage brands.

ENDS

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