Top building apprentice in Southern region

FRIDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

Top building apprentice in Southern region announced

Queenstown carpentry apprentice Rodrigo (Roddy) Hepp has been named the Southern Region’s Registered Master Builders 2010 Apprentice of the Year, in association with Carters.

The 23 year old will now compete against top carpentry apprentices from around the country at the national Apprentice of the Year finals in Wellington in October.

Roddy is completing his carpentry apprenticeship through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation and is employed by Naylor Love Limited
The judges were impressed with Rodrigo’s commitment and passion, and his knowledge of the industry is outstanding.

“His rapport with management and staff was excellent. We wish Roddy all the best for the finals in October,” 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 Michael Hastie, 23, of Dunedin with Cory Hanning, 21, of Dunedin, placed third.

The awards evening, held at the Mercure Dunedin on Friday 24 September, was well attended, with guests including Mayor of Dunedin, His Worship Peter Chin, RMBF Board Director David Fabish, Carters Dunedin Branch Manager Maurice Blair, 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.

Rodrigo 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. Roddy 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.
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