New Zealand’s top carpentry apprentices announced

Media Release

Thursday 22 October

New Zealand’s top carpentry apprentices announced

Hawke’s Bay carpentry apprentice Nathan Biggs has been awarded top honours in the Registered Master Builders 2009 Apprentice of the Year competition, in association with Carters.  

Nathan, 25, whose father is also a builder, was presented with his award at a ceremony in Wellington tonight. He was one of 10 national finalists from throughout the country.

Shayne Dickinson, 20, of Nelson, was second and Hamilton’s Justin Clark, 21, took out third place. 

National competition judging panel member Paul Mitchell said Nathan, who is employed by Mackersey Construction in Havelock North, showed a passion for building that has seen him take on more responsibility than most apprentices

“Nathan’s ability has meant he has managed staff and subcontractors, and has taken on the position of health and safety representative in his workplace, managing its ACC partnership programme,” Mr Mitchell, of the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), says.

“Nathan has proudly followed his father’s footsteps into building and prides himself on the finished product. This is a young man with a very bright future in the industry.”

The Minister for Building and Construction, Hon Maurice Williamson, says the competition showcases the talent of the next generation of builders.

“With a record level of entries in 2009, the Apprentice of the Year proves that the next generation of builders are motivated and skilled young people who are dedicated to furthering their careers,” Mr Williamson says.

“These apprentices will be some of the finest members of our industry in the years to come and my congratulations go to those who have achieved success in this competition.”

The awards event in Wellington tonight was attended by more than 100 people, including Mr Williamson, apprentices and their families, key representatives of the building and construction industry, and guest speakers Steven Dunstan and Daniel Buckley, founders of the clothing label Huffer.

Earlier in the day, the finalists attended a morning tea at Parliament hosted by Mr Williamson, and also visited the BRANZ testing centre at Judgeford, north of Wellington.

The Apprentice of the Year is backed by principal sponsor Carters, whose parent company Carter Holt Harvey celebrates 150 years in business in 2009, principal partners the BCITO and Registered Master Builders Federation, and supporting sponsor the Department of Building and Housing.

“We are once again delighted with the success of the competition,” Carters chief executive Stuart Munro says.
“Carters has a rich history in the building industry and we are very proud to continue supporting future building and construction leaders.”

The Apprentice of the Year competition is in its sixth year and has grown steadily since its inception in 2004. This year’s competition attracted a record 161 entries.

ENDS

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