Skilled carpentry apprentices needed now more than ever

Skilled carpentry apprentices needed now more than ever

The skills and leadership qualities of entrants in the Registered Master Builders 2011 Apprentice of the Year, in association with Carters, will be critical to New Zealand’s “built” future.

“The damage caused by the Canterbury earthquakes will generate an incredibly high demand for skilled builders, many of whom will be entrants or employers in this year’s Apprentice of the Year competition,” RMBF chief executive Warwick Quinn says.

“This also comes at a time when the industry is embarking on repairing 20,000 leaky homes and as a country we are facing a real housing shortage – particularly in Auckland. So while we are experiencing a low right now in building activity, our young apprentices are poised for a very busy future.”

With entries now open for the Registered Master Builders Carters 2011 Apprentice of the Year the next generation of building leadership has the opportunity to show they are up for the challenge.

The competition aims to highlight career opportunities in the building and construction sector, and provides a chance for carpentry apprentices to be recognised for their incredible talent, skill and drive.

“We are going to need these apprentices with the huge amount of work that is around the corner. Employers now play an important role, encouraging these young people to become a vital part of the industry,” says Mr Quinn.

Brent Waldron, Carters Chief Executive, says the Apprentice of the Year competition reflects the industry’s efforts to attract and train talented individuals and recognises the efforts of the employers who train and develop them.

“It is our generation’s responsibility to ensure the industry will be in safe hands – these apprentices are our future leaders and Carters is proud to support a competition that celebrates our industry’s potential,” says Mr Waldron.

The Apprentice of the Year competition has more than $100,000 worth of prizes up for grabs thanks to principal sponsor Carters, the Registered Master Builders Federation, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and supporting sponsor the Department of Building and Housing.

Now in its eighth year, organisers are hoping for an influx of entrants ready to prove they are New Zealand’s top carpentry apprentice.

Last year’s national winner, Isaac Alder of Russell Bruce Contract Builders in Nelson, is optimistic for the future.

“I want to use my skills now to help people, like going in after a natural disaster and helping to rebuild, or being a part of Habitat for Humanity,” says Isaac.

“People are always going to need things built for them. If you’ve got determination and a good work ethic, the sky’s the limit,” he says.

Entries for Apprentice of the Year are open until June 30, 2011. For further information, or to download an entry form, go to www.masterbuilder.org.nz, www.carters.co.nz or www.bcito.org.nz. Entry forms can also be collected from Carters stores nationwide.

Apprentices, employers and those young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join up to the Facebook page by searching RMB Carters Apprentice of the Year at www.facebook.com.

ENDS

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