Top building apprentice in Auckland region

TUESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

Top building apprentice in Auckland region announced

Massey apprentice Lance Downer has been named the Auckland Region Registered Master Builders 2010 Apprentice of the Year, in association with Carters.

The 24 year old will now compete against top carpentry apprentices from around the country at the national Apprentice of the Year finals in Wellington on October 21.

Lance is completing his carpentry apprenticeship through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation and is employed by Faulkner Construction.

The judges were impressed with Lance’s passion for his chosen trade.

“Lance displayed an enthusiasm that proved he was always thinking ahead on each task,” judges said.

“He has a great eye for detail and ‘getting it right the first time’. He has a quiet confidence, a friendly personality and good communication skills,” they said.

Brent Waldron, Chief Executive of principal sponsor Carters, says he is delighted with the standard of entries this year.

“The number of quality finalists is a great result, especially given the difficult times the building industry has faced. It is also a pleasing reflection of the industry's goal to raise the standard of building in New Zealand,” he says.

RMBF Chief Executive Warwick Quinn says the calibre and enthusiasm of this year’s apprentices, highlights the building and construction sector as a great place to train and work.

“It is pleasing to see so many young passionate apprentices taking on the challenge of the Apprentice of the Year. Having these young folk prepared to step up and push themselves this early in their career bodes well for a strong skills base within our industry in the future,” Mr Quinn says.

Second place in the regional competition went to Ben Halliday, 20, of Waitakere with Shaun Dickason, 21, of Pakuranga placed third.

The awards evening, held at Ericsson Stadium on Tuesday 28 September, was well attended with guests including RMBF President Blair Cranston, Carters Chief Executive Brent Waldron, BCITO Chief Executive Ruma Karaitiana, Team Leader Mediation from the Department of Building and Housing Niall Parkes, and representatives from the local building industry. John “Cocksy” Cocks was MC for the night.

Lance received an Outward Bound leadership course valued up to $3,600, and either a study grant towards the completion of study or postgraduate study in any construction or business course valued up to $2,000, or a Carters voucher for a substantial purchase of up to $1,500 for winning the regional competition. Lance also received a Warthog double sided ladder, an IRWIN tool bag with mobile phone holder and a Department of Building and Housing jacket, bag and beanie.

ENDS

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