Top builder in the Central North Island region

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Top builder in the Central North Island region announced

Palmerston North carpentry apprentice Gareth Jeune has been named the Central North Island Region’s Registered Master Builders 2010 Apprentice of the Year, in association with Carters.

The 21 year old will now compete against top apprentices from around the country at the national Apprentice of the Year finals in Wellington in October.

Gareth is completing his carpentry apprenticeship through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation and is employed by Colspec Construction.

The judges were impressed with Gareth's all round presentation, his knowledge of all aspects of the project that he was working on, and his ability to communicate.

“The onsite portion of the competition also showcased his practical ability, attention to detail, his skill at problem solving and understanding of the cultural significance of the project,” judges said.

Brent Waldron, Chief Executive of principal sponsor Carters, says he is delighted with the standard of entries this year.

“The number of quality finalists is a great result, especially given the difficult times the building industry has faced. It is also a pleasing reflection of the industry's goal to raise the standard of building in New Zealand,” he says.

RMBF Chief Executive Warwick Quinn says the calibre and enthusiasm of this year’s apprentices highlights the building and construction sector as a great place to train and work.

“It is pleasing to see so many young passionate apprentices taking on the challenge of the Apprentice of the Year. Having these young folk prepared to step up and push themselves this early in their career bodes well for a strong skills base within our industry in the future,” Mr Quinn says.

Second place in the regional competition went to Matthew Joyes, 21, of Palmerston North with Christopher Parker, 25, of Palmerston North, placed third.

The awards evening was well attended, with guests including Chief Executive of the Registered Master Builders Federation Warwick Quinn, Carters Regional Manager Don Reed, BCITO Chief Executive Ruma Karaitiana, Determinations Manager for the Department of Building and Housing John Gardiner, and representatives from the local building industry. Celebrity builder John “Cocksy” Cocks was MC for the night.

Gareth received an Outward Bound leadership course valued up to $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 a Carters voucher for a substantial purchase of up to $1,500 for winning the regional competition. Gareth also received a Warthog double sided ladder, an IRWIN tool bag with mobile phone holder and a Department of Building and Housing jacket, bag and beanie.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

The Apprentice of the Year competition is a joint initiative by Carters, the Registered Master Builders Federation, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and the Department of Building and Housing (DBH). It aims to recognise excellence among carpentry apprentices and raise awareness of the career opportunities in the building and construction industry.

The Apprentice of the Year competition is being run in 10 regions this year: Northern, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Central North Island, Wellington, Upper South Island, Central South Island and Southern. The winners of each regional competition qualify for the national competition final which comprises and interview with the National Judging panel and a practical skills component.

All entrants in the Apprentice of the Year competition also receive an apprenticeship membership to the Registered Master Builders Federation for one year.

The winner of each regional competition and up to three guests will be brought to Wellington in October to take part in the national competition. The winner of the National Apprentice of the Year title will be announced at an awards evening following national judging.

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