Carpentry Apprentice of the Year Wgtn

30 September 2005

2005 Wellington Region Carpentry Apprentice of the Year announced

Willie Davis, 21, of Eastbourne, Wellington has won the Registered Master Builders Carters 2005 Apprentice of the Year competition for the Wellington Region.

Announced last night at a function in Wellington, Willie was presented with his award by Chief Executive of Registered Master Builders Pieter Burghout; Glen Jarvie, Regional Manager of principal sponsor Carters; and Graham Olds, Acting CEO of the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).

The event was well attended and guests present included Hutt City Mayor David Ogden, Porirua City Mayor, Jenny Brash and Shirley Harris, Deputy Mayor of Upper Hutt City Council. The competition aims to foster and encourage the training and development of young carpentry apprentices.

Entrants are judged on their practical skills, knowledge of the building sector and materials, and the way they relate to people. Endorsement from their employer and education institution is also taken into account. Davis, a carpentry apprentice for Simon Roche Ltd in Wellington, said he was thrilled to win the prestigious competition.

Martin Goulden, President of the Wellington Registered Master Builders Association and member of the judging panel said "Willie demonstrated extreme attention to detail and a strong work ethic. He is held in extremely high regard by his employer, evidenced by the wide range of demanding projects he has worked on, including a residential property that was a national award winner at the Registered Master Builders PlaceMakers 2004 House of the Year Awards"

Pieter Burghout, Chief Executive of Registered Master Builders said the Federation was committed to industry training and the Apprentice of the Year awards helped it to encourage young people into the sector.

"The construction industry is an excellent career choice and rewarding successful apprentices is a great way to nurture and grow the future of the sector. These awards provide an incentive for trainees and demonstrate the kind of personal and trade skills we are looking for in our young people coming through."

Katrina Osborn, spokesperson from principal sponsor Carters agrees, "Apprentices are the key to the construction sector's future. Carters want to support young tradespeople as they gain the skills and experience they need to build successful careers."

Davis receives an Outward Bound Leadership course to the value of $3,500 and a study grant of $2,500 on winning the competition.

Second place in the competition went to Jesse Dyson of Island Bay while Aaron Stephens of Naenae was third. Both received gift vouchers from Carters.

The Registered Master Builders Carters 2005 Apprentice of the Year is supported by principal sponsor Carters; and supporting sponsor the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).

For more information on the competition, contact your local Carters stores, BCITO or registered master builder, or visit www.masterbuilder.org.nz .

ENDS

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