Top carpentry apprentices get set to enter!

Top carpentry apprentices get set to enter!

Carpentry apprentices across the country are vying to win the coveted title of Registered Master Builders 2010 Apprentice of the Year, in association with Carters.

Entries are now open for the competition, which includes ten regional competitions building up to a national final in Wellington in October.

In addition to regional and national winner’s titles, there is over $100,000 in prize value up for grabs.

Backed by principal sponsor Carters, the Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF), the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and supporting sponsor the Department of Building and Housing (DBH), the Apprentice of the Year recognises the incredible talent, skill and drive of carpentry apprentices and raises awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction sector.

Craig Hill, Deputy Chief Executive at the Department of Building and Housing, says the awards are key for encouraging excellence among young builders.

“It’s vital this industry continues to drive excellence in training and professional development, so apprentices can gain the right skills and knowledge to build high quality homes that New Zealanders will want to invest and live in,” Craig Hill says.

Each year the momentum of the Apprentice of the Year competition grows, highlighting the building and construction sector as a great place to train and work.

RMBF CEO, Warwick Quinn says, “These awards provide a huge source of pride and motivation for apprentices within the building trade.”

Employers are encouraged to support applications to this year’s competition for the many benefits they provide to both their business and to entrants,” says Mr Quinn.

Now in its seventh year, for the first time the ten regional winners will undergo a new practical judging element at the national finals in Wellington in October.

Principal sponsor Carters says the new changes will continue to enhance the standard of the competition and put the spotlight on carpentry skills that apprentices have mastered.

“The Apprentice of the Year is the industry’s talent benchmark for New Zealand’s next generation of builders and Carters is proud to back a competition that supports the industry’s future,” says Michael Falconer, Carter Holt Harvey Building Supplies CEO.

Last year’s national winner, Nathan Biggs of Mackersey Construction in the East Coast region, credits his early success in the building industry to his involvement in the competition.

“Since winning the Apprentice of the Year I’ve been flooded with opportunities and my career has really taken off. It’s a great way to get up the ladder and to make your mark, whilst earning the respect of your work mates, bosses and the industry,” Nathan says.

All ten 2010 regional winners receive a specialist Outward Bound Leadership Programme scholarship tailored for apprentices, valued at $3,600.00. In addition they also have the choice of a grant towards completion of study in any construction or building course to the value of $2,000.00, or a Carters voucher for a substantial purchase to the value of $1,500.00.

Regional place getters also receive prize packs from Carters including tools and products from their suppliers, branded merchandise from the BCITO and material from the Department of Building and Housing. All entrants also receive an Apprentice Membership to RMBF.

Entries are open until 30 June 2010. For further information, or to download an entry form, go to www.masterbuilder.orgnz or www.bcito.org.nz. Entry forms can also be collected from Carters stores nationwide.

Apprentices can also check out the RMB Carters Apprentice of the Year Facebook page at www.facebook.com.

ENDS

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