Akld Carpentry Apprentice of the Year announced

Media Release
6 October 2005

2005 Auckland Region Carpentry Apprentice of the Year announced

James Sutton, 22, of Howick, Auckland has won the inaugural Registered Master Builders Carters 2005 Apprentice of the Year competition for the Auckland Region.

Announced last night at a function in Auckland, James was presented with his award by John Key, MP for Helensville, Diane Phillips, President, Auckland Registered Master Builders Association; Stuart Munro, CEO of principal sponsor Carters; and Hank Lieshout, Board Member of the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).

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. Sutton, a carpentry apprentice for Unitec Apprenticeship Training Trust in Auckland, said he was thrilled to win the prestigious competition.

Wayne Smith, Carters representative on the judging panel said: “James possesses a high degree of skill, confidence and professionalism. His abilities are clearly showcased by the wide range of projects he has worked on.”

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 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.”

Sutton receives an Outward Bound Leadership course to the value of $3,500 and a study grant of $2,500 on winning the competition. He was also presented with a Makita Power Tool from Carters.

Second place in the competition went to Philip Newport, 21, of Papakura, Auckland while Paul Thompson, 26, of Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa was third. Both received Makita Power Tools 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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