Top building apprentice in Wellington announced

Media release: 11 August 2014

Top building apprentice in Wellington announced

Wellington carpentry apprentice Ryan Lake has been named the Wellington Registered Master Builders Carters 2014 Apprentice of the Year.

The 21 year old, employed by Peter Camp Builders in Wellington and trained through the BCITO, impressed judges who say he has a big future in the industry.

“Ryan’s skills and knowledge were highlighted during the interview and site visit and it is clear that he has a passion for doing a job properly,” they said.

“Ryan stood out with extensive knowledge of the commercial project he submitted for AOY, and his toolkit was one of the best ever seen in the competition. The high level of detail and finish required on this job is a credit to his abilities.”

Ryan was awarded an array of prizes, including his choice of either a study grant to the value of $2,000 or $2,000 to spend at Carters and a place at an Outward Bound Leadership Programme, as well as the sought-after title of Wellington Registered Master Builders Carters 2014 Apprentice of the Year.

Second place in the Wellington Region was awarded to Matthew Gulbransen, 25, of Wellington, employed by Axis Builders in Lower Hutt, while third place went to Daniel Whalley, 24, of Upper Hutt, employed by Fletcher Construction in Johnsonville.

The results were announced at an awards evening at The Boatshed in Wellington on Friday 8 August.

Registered Master Builders acting chief executive Brendon Ward says it is gratifying to see a strong group of contenders putting themselves forward to be judged against their peers at this year’s Apprentice of the Year competition.

“Apprentices who are willing to stand up and strive to be the best they can be demonstrate the excellent talent coming through our building and construction industry. The builders who take on those apprentices should also be praised for their contribution to the growth and succession of the sector.”

Carters General Manager Sales & Operations, Simon Henderson, says the Apprentice of the Year competition aligns with Carters’ business priority of encouraging and recognising success within the building and construction sector.

“As the building industry continues to strengthen and expand, it’s important that apprentices continue to strive for excellence. We believe Apprentice of the Year encourages best practice right from the beginning of a builder’s career,” he says.

Winning apprentice Ryan Lake will now go on to compete against the winners from eight other regions at the national competition in Auckland, where each apprentice will undergo a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel.

Finalists will then compete in a practical carpentry challenge where they will be tasked with completing a small building project, to be gifted to local charities on completion. The practical challenge will take place at The Cloud on Friday 17 October and will be open to the public.

The winner of the Registered Master Builders Carters 2014 Apprentice of the Year will then be announced at an awards dinner at The Cloud.

Apprentices, employers and young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/apprenticeoftheyear and 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 sponsor the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

ENDS

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