Central South Island region’s top carpentry apprentice announced!


Carpentry apprentice Jono Blakely has been named the Central South Island Registered Master Builders Carters 2016 Apprentice of the Year.

The 20 year-old from Kennedy in Christchurch trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and is employed by Andrew James Builders Limited.

Judges said Jono displayed great confidence and technical knowledge on his project. They are confident that Jono will do the region proud at the upcoming National competition.

“Jono presented a very detailed written submission which comprehensively outlined his project from start to finish,” they said.

“He displayed leadership with his interaction with sub-trades and a strong commitment to Health & Safety. 

“Jono is a highly valued apprentice by his employer who describes him as methodical with a high degree of initiative.”

Jono was awarded a range of fantastic products and tools, $2,000 to spend at Carters, and a spot at an Outward Bound Course.

Second place in the regional competition was awarded to 22 year-old Adam Parnell from Prebbleton, Christchurch, who is employed by John Creighton Builders.

Third place was awarded to 20 year-old Hamish Inch from Burnside, Christchurch and employed by Mark Prosser Builders.

The results were announced at an awards evening on 25 August at Hagley Oval, South Hagley Park in Christchurch.

Registered Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly says the competition not only celebrates the quality of New Zealand’s carpentry apprentices, but also helps to promote the opportunities that an apprenticeship in the trades has to offer.

“The construction industry is going through an unprecedented period of growth. We need more people to join the trades across all levels. The Apprentice of the Year competition is a fantastic way to showcase our future industry leaders,” he said.

“We applaud the commitment and determination from all the apprentices, and we look forward to seeing even more from the finalists at the National competition in November.”

Supporting the competition for the 12th year running is principal sponsor Carters. National Sales Manager Rob Watson says the competition holds an important place in upholding the reputation of New Zealand’s building industry.

“Apprentice of the Year is a fundamental element of Carters’ investment in partnering with and ensuring that New Zealand’s apprentices are highly skilled, mentored and educated,” he said.

“The competition is a fantastic opportunity for apprentices to get their name out there and gain recognition within the industry.”

Jono will now compete against the winners from the other nine regions at the National competition in Auckland.

Each finalist will undergo 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 building a play house to be donated to local schools. The practical challenge will take place at The Cloud on 4 November and will be open to the public.

The winner of the Registered Master Builders Carters 2016 Apprentice of the Year will be announced at an awards dinner on 4 November.

Apprentices, employers and young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/apprenticeoftheyear.
(Photos from the local event can be seen here )

For more information, visit www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz.

The Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition is made possible thanks to principal sponsor Carters, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and supporting sponsors the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and APL through their Altherm, First and Vantage brands.