Enthusiastic apprentice nabs top award

Enthusiastic apprentice nabs top award

Building apprentice Bryce Pemberton has been named the Wellington & Wairarapa Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year 2015.

The 22-year-old from Lower Hutt trained through BCITO, and works for Fletcher Construction.

Judges said Bryce was enthusiastic and very passionate about his apprenticeship. “During the site visit it was evident that he is a team player, a leader and well respected by his fellow work colleagues.

“Bryce is a planner and a forward thinker. His employer has identified him to go forward to the next level of training and leadership.”

Bryce said that since starting with Fletcher Construction in 2012, he has been committed to developing a range of skills in order to complete the apprenticeship.

“I worked hard to develop my leadership and communication skills to become a well-respected builder and to deliver a high quality finish” he says.

Bryce 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 Wellington Wairarapa region was James Blackman, 21, from Paraparaumu who is employed by Ryman Healthcare. Greg Barber, 23, from Masterton, and employed by Hepburn Builders, was awarded third place.

The results were announced at an awards evening on Friday 21 August at The Boatshed in Wellington.

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 that excellence, and helps apprentices gain invaluable recognition in the industry,” he says.

Bryce will 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 play house 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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