Building an apprenticeship challenge

Building an apprenticeship challenge

Timber will fall and sawdust will fly at this year’s Apprentice Challenge for Otago.

Six contestants will line up for the coveted top regional spot and a chance to fight for the National title.

Tensions will be high as apprentices are only given the details of what they’re to build one week before the competition. They’ll be supplied with enough timber to complete the job … the rest is up to them.

Otago Polytechnic is proudly hosting the event in Dunedin. Carpentry Lecturer, Kevin Dunbar points out that all six of the apprentices, who were chosen from around Otago, have either studied or are currently studying at the polytechnic.

“It’s good for us to support both the apprentices and the industry by encouraging the young talent coming through” he says. “The competition shows how they can work accurately, under pressure with time constraints and judging. They’re also judged on their plan reading and health and safety.”

The winner of the event will compete in the New Zealand competition in Auckland from May 25-27. Mr Dunbar says Otago apprentices usually do very well at the national level.

“I attribute that to the local trade training they receive and the high quality of local industries” he says.

There’s also a top prize pool sponsored by ITM:
First Place: Makita Drill/Driver Combination Kit & $300 ITM Gift Voucher
Second Place: Makita Job site Radio & $200 ITM Gift Voucher
Third Place: Est Wing 20oz Hammer & $100 ITM Gift Voucher

Two Otago Polytechnic students enrolled in the Managed Apprentice scheme at Central Otago campus are competing in the Central Otago Apprentice Challenge. That will be hosted by ITM in Cromwell on Saturday. Four apprentices will compete for a chance to attend the nationals and the same prizes as in Dunedin.

The events are part of a national competition organised by New Zealand Certified Builders and sponsored by ITM.

ENDS

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