Apprentice gives 110% and earns top award

Apprentice gives 110% and earns top award

Building apprentice Troy Matheson has been named the Hawke’s Bay East Coast Region’s Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year.

The 23-year-old, from Napier trained through BCITO and works for Redmond Builders.

The judges said Troy was a well-presented, well-spoken and well-prepared candidate who is enthusiastic about building and his future in the industry.

“Troy is a very-accomplished carpenter who displayed great craftsmanship skills. He has been involved in some very detailed work, and has the confidence to tackle complex jobs.

“He’s a strong team player and displays characteristics that will see him go far in the industry. It’s good to see this calibre of apprentice only just starting out his career and learning correctly from the start.”

Troy says there is no better feeling than finishing a job that you are one hundred and ten percent happy with.

“Due to my passion and love for the trade, my skills and my building knowledge, I think I have what it takes to excel in this competition,” he says.

Troy 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 Hawke’s Bay East Coast region was awarded to Cameron Smith, 26, from Hastings and employed by Mackersey Construction. Scott Mogford, 23 from Napier and employed by DavCon Construction took third place.

The results were announced at an awards evening on Friday 11 September at The Vines Restaurant at Bushmere Estate in Gisborne.

Registered Master Builders Association (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.

Troy 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.

ENDS

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