Bay apprentice wins top award

Building apprentice Jamie Russell has been named the Bay of Plenty Region’s Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year.

The 22-year-old from Tauranga trained through the Building and Construction Training Organisation (BCITO) and works for Skilled Building Solutions.

Jamie said that with working on a range of projects through his apprenticeship, he has the skills to work effectively in any environment. “As my skills have progressed and evolved, I have taken a leadership role within the company which involves running sites and managing labourers.

“I am actively involved in working with other tradesmen to solve problems that may not be crystal clear on the plans.”

Judges said Jamie has superb industry knowledge and communication. “His on-site health and safety was faultless, as he made us all aware of the hazards before and during the visit.

“Jamie walked and talked us around his site demonstrating his competency of the detailed build, and how the client brief had been met.”

Jamie 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 Bay of Plenty region was awarded to Joshua Benjamin, 19 from Tauranga and employed by McMillan & Lockwood. Liam Stjernqvist, 21 from Taupo and employed by Bayline Construction, was awarded third place.

The results were announced at an awards evening on Thursday 3 September at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club in Tauranga.

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 excellence, and helps apprentices gain invaluable recognition in the industry,” he says.

Jamie will now proceed to 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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