Samuel Faid Named as Central South Island' s Top Apprentice

Central South Island region’s top carpentry apprentice announced!

Carpentry apprentice Samuel Faid has been named the Central South Island Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2017 Apprentice of the Year.

The 20-year-old from Christchurch trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and is employed by Jina Andrews Construction Limited.

Sam impressed the judges with the skills he had learned from his apprenticeship. The judging process involved a written project submission followed by an interview with a regional judging panel for the top ten apprentices in each region. Judges then visited the apprentices on site to discuss their project and the personal contribution made to it.

Judges said Sam was involved in all parts of his project and proudly demonstrated how these were completed to a very high standard.

“Sam helped lead a strong Health and Safety culture and has the utmost respect from his peers on site,” they said.

“His employer confirms that he has a skill level and passion beyond his years and has an exciting future ahead of him in the industry.”

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

Second place in the regional competition was awarded to 24-year-old Aidan Brewer from Christchurch, who is employed by Simon Construction.

Third place was awarded to 21-year-old Joshua Farrar-de Wagt from Christchurch, who is employed by Clive Barrington Construction LTD.

The results were announced at an awards evening on 24 August at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Registered Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly says the competition highlights the importance of apprenticeships as part of the wider need for industry-wide transformation during New Zealand’s biggest ever building boom.

“Developing and training our workforce is a crucial part of ensuring we meet our industry’s growing needs. Apprenticeships play an important role in ensuring the industry can build through the troughs and mitigate skills shortages, which are currently facing the building and construction industry,” he said.

“We applaud the commitment and determination from all the apprentices, and look forward to seeing their skills at the national competition in November as they make their mark on the industry.”

Supporting the competition for the 13th year running will be principal sponsor CARTERS. CARTERS Chief Executive Mike Guy says that CARTERS are honoured to have been a part of launching the careers of skilled apprentices for over a decade.

“Apprentice of the Year reflects CARTERS’ ongoing dedication to supporting New Zealand’s apprentices through investing in training and mentoring. New Zealand’s construction sector is booming and attracting young talent to our industry is key to on-going success,” he said.

We congratulate Samuel on his success in the regional competition and look forward to seeing all the finalists put their skills to the test in the national competition in November.”

Samuel will now compete against the winners from the other nine regions at the National competition in Auckland this November.

Each finalist will undergo a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel. They will then compete in a practical carpentry challenge, the product of which will be donated to a local charity.

The practical challenge is held on 3 November at the ASB Showgrounds and will be open to the public. This year the competition is taking place alongside the Auckland Build Expo, which will bring together industry professionals and leaders from across the construction sector.

The winner of the Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2017 Apprentice of the Year will be announced at an awards dinner on 3 November.

Apprentices, employers and young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders

For more information, visit www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz.

The Registered Master Builders 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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