Variety motivates top apprentice

Variety motivates top apprentice

Building apprentice Matt Booth has been named the Central North Island Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year.

The 24 year old from Palmerston North trained through BCITO and works for Excel Builders.

Judges said Matt has passion to learn and all the attributes of a high quality tradesman, with a bright future within the construction industry.

“Matt has all his future aspirations well mapped out, including personal development plans to further himself. He’s a keen to learn apprentice, with very sound building knowledge and great eye for detail.”

Matt said that being brought up around the building industry has given him the passion and drive to succeed. “I enjoy the challenge of creating something from nothing. No two days on the site are the same, which I love.”

Matt 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 Central North Island region was awarded to David Stokes, 27 from Palmerston North and employed by B W Hughes Building Limited. Johnny Chee, 24 from Feilding and employed by Isles Construction was awarded third place.

The results were announced at an awards evening on Friday 21 August at Quality Hotel Plymouth International, New Plymouth.

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.

Matt Booth 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 on October 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 at www.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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