Top building apprentice in Northern region

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Top building apprentice in Northern region announced

Coopers Beach apprentice Atama O’Donnell has been named the Northern Region Registered Master Builders 2010 Apprentice of the Year, in association with Carters.

The 22 year old will now compete against top carpentry apprentices from around the country at the national Apprentice of the Year finals in Wellington on October 21.

Atama is completing his carpentry apprenticeship through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation and is employed by Coastal Homes Limited.

Atama’s BCITO training advisor Peter Lawrence said Atama has developed into a very skillful and knowledgeable apprentice builder who works to an extremely high standard.

“He has had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. It is this varied exposure to building that has led to Atama’s highly developed attention to detail and overall pride in his work,” Peter said.

“Atama has consistently demonstrated an incredible level of dedication and commitment to his apprenticeship – he has become an outstanding builder,” Peter said.

Brent Waldron, Chief Executive of principal sponsor Carters, says he is delighted with the standard of entries this year.

“The number of quality finalists is a great result, especially given the difficult times the building industry has faced. It is also a pleasing reflection of the industry's goal to raise the standard of building in New Zealand,” he says.

RMBF Chief Executive Warwick Quinn says the calibre and enthusiasm of this year’s apprentices highlights the building and construction sector as a great place to train and work.

“It is pleasing to see so many young passionate apprentices taking on the challenge of the Apprentice of the Year.  Having these young folk prepared to step up and push themselves this early in their career bodes well for a strong skills base within our industry in the future,” Mr Quinn says.  

Second place in the regional competition went to Luke Jackison, 23, of Stanmore Bay with Mitchell Nield, 22, of Hokianga placed third.

The awards evening, held at North Harbour Stadium on Thursday 30 September, was well attended with guests including RMBF President Blair Cranston, Carters Chief Executive Brent Waldron, BCITO Chief Executive Ruma Karaitiana, Team Leader Mediation from the Department of Building and Housing Amituanai Puni Leota, and representatives from the local building industry. John “Cocksy” Cocks was MC for the night.

Atama received an Outward Bound leadership course valued up to $3,600, and either a study grant towards the completion of study or postgraduate study in any construction or business course valued up to $2,000, or a Carters voucher for a substantial purchase of up to $1,500 for winning the regional competition. Atama also received a Warthog double sided ladder, an IRWIN tool bag with mobile phone holder and a Department of Building and Housing jacket, bag and beanie.

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