Media release 8 August
Carpentry apprentices to compete for top honour
Young carpentry apprentices all over the country are preparing to nail another challenge as they compete in the
Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition, in association with Carters.
The competition is run by industry leaders Carters, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation
(BCITO), Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF) and the Department of Building and Housing.
It is staged in 10 regions around New Zealand, and each regional winner will head to Wellington to compete for the
national title in October.
A record 135 entries have been received in the 2008 competition, which has experienced huge growth since starting as a
Wellington-based contest in 2004.
BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says the introduction of a national title last year was a huge success. He says
the BCITO is pleased to continue supporting the Apprentice of the Year competition as part of its ongoing commitment to
celebrate excellence among apprentices and raise awareness of career opportunities in the industry.
"There are currently more than 9000 carpentry apprentices training with the BCITO, and more than 880 people have already
achieved a National Certificate this year. The Apprentice of the Year awards are an important and valued initiative
which recognise the skills and determination required to complete an apprenticeship," Mr Karaitiana says.
In the coming weeks, entrants in the competition will be interviewed by a judging panel, made up of representatives from
Registered Master Builders, the BCITO and Carters. Up to 10 finalists will be selected from each region and the judging
panel will make a visit to each finalist's building site to determine regional winners.
The 10 regional winners will be announced at awards evenings around the country in September and October before
gathering in Wellington to compete for the national Apprentice of the Year title on October 21 and 22.
ENDS