Top building apprentice in Central North Island announced

Top building apprentice in Central North Island announced

Sanson apprentice Tom Evans has been named the Central North Island Region Registered Master Builders Carters 2011 Apprentice of the Year.

The 22 year old, employed by Kynoch Construction Ltd in Palmerston North and trained by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation, received praise from competition judges who say Tom’s site presentation and attention to detail on the plan was superb.

“He displayed good enthusiasm and passion for the project he presented. His leadership skills were obvious and backed up by his employer’s feedback,” judges said.

Second place in the regional competition went to Justin Taylor, 22, of Taranaki, employed by Clelands Construction Ltd. Third place went to Torea Tepaki, 23, of Palmerston North, employed by Dawson & Gerrard Ltd.

As part of the entry process, each apprentice was asked to submit a project that they are most proud of. Tom presented judges with his work on the relocation of Palmerston North Girls’ High School’s assembly hall and music block.

Tom’s employer Peter Kynoch says he has always been impressed with Tom’s ethics and the way he conducts himself.

“In the few years he’s been with Kynoch Construction, he’s become a crucial part of our team,” Peter says.

RMBF Chief Executive Warwick Quinn says this year’s entrants are exactly the calibre of skilled professionals the building and construction sector needs to take it into the future.

“It is reassuring to see so many high quality young apprentices taking on the challenge of the Apprentice of the Year. Having folk like this prepared to step up and push themselves to be the best is good for our industry and showcases building as a great career option for others,” Mr Quinn says.

Brent Waldron, Chief Executive of principal sponsor Carters, says Carters was keen to continue its support for the Apprentice of the Year award this year.

“Carters is a business that exists for building industry trade customers and it is our desire to assist talented young people to make a career for themselves in our industry. We also recognise the commitment of the New Zealand builders who take these young people under their wing and help to train the builders of the future,” he says.

The awards evening, held at the Regent Theatre in Pahiatua on Friday 16 September, was well attended with guests including apprentices’ family, friends, colleagues and industry representatives.

Tom received a specially designed Outward Bound course valued at over $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 $2,000 to spend at Carters towards increasing his toolkit for winning the regional competition. Tom also received a Makita 185mm Circular Saw, a Makita 14.4 volt Drill Driver and Department of Building and Housing merchandise.

Tom will now compete with the top carpentry apprentices from around the country at the national Apprentice of the Year finals in Wellington on October 29.

Apprentices, employers and those young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join up to the Facebook page by searching RMB Carters Apprentice of the Year at www.facebook.com.

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