Motivated apprentice wins top award

Building apprentice Shaun Campbell has been named the Upper South Island Region’s Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year.

The 20-year-old from Nelson trained through BCITO and works for Inhaus Developments Ltd.

Shaun said that he prides himself on his attention to detail, self-motivation and passion for the construction industry.

“Over the past year I have had to develop my communication skills to deal with both clients and subcontractors. The thing I love the most about building is seeing the smile on a client’s face after a finished project completed to a high standard.”

Judges said Shaun demonstrated a high level of competence in his knowledge of the industry, and in the way he managed his project submission.

“Shaun’s attention to detail showed through in the project and his willingness to always look at ways of improving what he has done in the past really demonstrates his passion for the construction industry.”

Shaun 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 Upper South Island region was awarded to Zac Forbes, 26, from Nelson and employed by Craig Finnie Building. Philip Hogan, 24 from Greymouth and employed Colville Hofman Builders was awarded third place.

The results were announced at an awards evening on Saturday 29 August at The Boathouse in Nelson.

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.

Shaun 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 playhouse 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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