Top building apprentice in the Bay of Plenty/East Coast region announced

Havelock North carpentry apprentice Bill Harkness has been named the Bay of Plenty/East Coast Region Registered Master Builders Carters 2013 Apprentice of the Year.

The 21 year old, employed by Redmond Builders and Construction and trained through the BCITO, impressed judges who say he has set a new standard in the construction industry.

“Bill’s attention to detail with this complex build was evidenced to the highest level throughout his whole project,” they said.

“Standing out from his peers with an outstanding set of skills, this young man’s ability is something to aspire to.”

Bill was awarded a range of prizes, including his choice of either a study grant to the value of $2,000 or $2,000 to spend at Carters and an Outward Bound Leadership Programme valued at over $3,600, as well as the coveted title of Bay of Plenty/East Coast Region Registered Master Builders Carters 2013 Apprentice of the Year.

Bill will now go on to compete against the eight other regional Apprentice of the Year winners at the national finals in Auckland where each apprentice will undertake 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 completing a small building project, which will be gifted to local charities on completion. The practical challenge will take place at The Cloud in Auckland on Friday, 11 October and will be open to the public from 8am to 12pm.

The winner of the Registered Master Builders Carters 2013 Apprentice of the Year will then be announced at an awards dinner at The Cloud, hosted by MC Paul Ego.

Second place in the Bay of Plenty/East Coast region was awarded to Grant Kissling, 21, of Gisborne, employed by Thomas Homes in Gisborne, while third place went to Jono Whitaker, 22, of Hastings, employed by Atkin Construction Limited in Napier.

RMBF chief executive Warwick Quinn says it is great to see a consistently high standard of apprentices putting themselves forward to determine how they measure up against their peers.

“Apprentice of the Year is a wonderful endeavour for recognising excellence in carpentry apprentices, and every year the talent that comes through is remarkable. Employers should also be recognised for supporting and encouraging the next generation of our building and construction industry.”

Paul Bull, Chief Executive of Carters, says the Apprentice of the Year competition supports Carters’ objective of encouraging and striving for high standards within the building and construction industry.

“The building industry is experiencing some good growth at the moment, and it is important that apprentices continue to demonstrate best practice to ensure the success of the sector,” says Mr Bull.

“At Carters we think it’s important to support initiatives that provide our customers with opportunities to up-skill and stay informed. Apprentice of the Year is one of those initiatives.”

Bay of Plenty/East Coast Region Apprentice of the Year results were announced at an awards evening at the Shark Bar in Gisborne on Friday, 23 August.

Apprentices, employers and those young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/apprenticeoftheyear.

The Apprentice of the Year competition is made possible thanks to principal sponsor Carters, the Registered Master Builders Federation, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and supporting sponsor the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

ENDS

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