Initiative drives winning apprentice

Initiative drives winning apprentice

Building apprentice Cale Marshall has been named the Southern Region’s Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year.

The 25-year-old, from Queenstown trained through BCITO and works for Mainframe Ltd.

Cale said that he believes motivation, dedication and initiative are what contributed to his successful apprenticeship.

“Since I started training, I have risen through the ranks from starting as a fresh apprentice to a leading hand. My plans for the future are to continue furthering my education and complete a Diploma in Construction Management.”

Judges said Cale is a confident apprentice who displayed excellent, in-depth knowledge of the building industry.

“Cale’s manner and high skill levels are a credit to both him and his trainers. He has what it takes to become a true building professional, and will represent the Southern Region with distinction at the National competition”

Cale was awarded a range of building products and tools, $2,000 to spend at Carters, and a spot at an Outward Bound Course.

Second place in the Southern region was awarded to Blake McDonald, 22, from Dunedin, and employed by Naylor Love Construction. Clarke McNab, 25, from Dunedin and employed by GLS Builders Limited was awarded third place.

The results were announced at an awards evening on Friday 4 September at Wains Hotel Dunedin.

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.

Mr Kelly says the growth in apprentice numbers was a real step forward for the sector.

“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.”

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.

Cale 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 they will build a play house to be donated to charity. 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 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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