Top carpentry apprentices go head to head!

The top carpentry apprentices from across New Zealand will go head to head today, competing for the title of Registered Master Builders Carters 2016 Apprentice of the Year.

Ten apprentices have earnt their place in the national competition after competing against their peers to win their respective regional competitions.

To take out the national competition, the industry’s future leaders will have to impress the judging panel over a two day event, undergoing a 45 minute interview along with a practical component. Each competitor will be faced with the task of building a children’s playhouse, with the finished products being donated to local schools.  The practical challenge will take place at The Cloud in Auckland today, 4 November and will be open to the public from 8am.

Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly says there has never been a better time to recognise the need for skilled apprentices in our industry.

“The industry is facing unprecedented demand, yet productivity must not come at the expense of quality,” he says.

“Apprentice of the Year is a fantastic way to showcase the quality craftsmanship of our future leaders.”
“There has never been a better time to begin an apprenticeship. We wish all the finalists good luck as they make their mark on the industry as Master Builders.”

The winner of the Registered Master Builders Carters 2016 Apprentice of the Year will be announced later on today at an awards dinner.

The national winner will receive prizes including the use of a Ford Ranger Ute for a year and a $5000 grant courtesy of Carters, a range of quality tools and an iPad, courtesy of MBIE. All ten finalists will also attend a specially designed Outward Bound course and the Registered Master Builders House of the Year National Gala on 26 November. 

Apprentices, employers and young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders or follow us on Twitter: @MasterBuilderNZ.

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.