Central South Island region’s top building apprentice announced
24 September 2020
Building apprentice Corrigan Harnett has been named the Central South Island Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2020 Apprentice of the Year. The 23-year-old from Amberley was trained through BCITO and is employed by Keane Building.
The apprentices were judged on a two-hour practical challenge – where they built a tool box, and their initial entry submission. The top 10 in the region progressed to an interview with the judging panel, which was followed by an onsite visit where contestants discussed their project.
The results were announced at an awards evening on Wednesday 23 September at Hagley Oval.
Corrigan impressed the judges” From the very beginning it was clear he was a serious contender. With a background in Engineering and Fabrication, Corrigan proved he had a strong eye for detail and knew his project inside out.” They said.
Judges’ were totally blown away by Corrigan’s great skills, knowledge, and capability that was matched with his positive attitude. “His high marks across all four judging categories was a strong testament to this.”
It is clear to the judges that Corrigan will go a long way in his career and will likely be a future industry leader. “His passion for the industry and strong competitiveness will do the region proud at the Nationals.”
Second place in the regional competition was awarded to 25-year-old Liam Brewer from Lincoln, who was trained by BCITO and is employed by Simon Construction. Judges said Liam once again showed them why he is so capable, deserving of his placing again in this year’s AOY competition. He impressed judges right away with his confident, mature personality.
“He demonstrated a high level of understanding on his project and has a very sound skill set. He is highly practical in his approach to building, and this was evident in the practical challenge.”
“Liam will soon be serving himself as a very capable tradesman. The industry’s next generation of workers really require the level of exceptional talent shown by him.”
Third place was awarded to 26-year-old Jacob Duplan from Redwood, who was trained by BCITO and is employed by Clive Barrington Construction.
Jacob is a confident young man who impressed the judges with his excellent written submission, great communication skills, and strong knowledge of his building project.
“The apprentice conducted an outstanding interview, demonstrating a deep knowledge of the building industry.” They said.
“It’s no mystery why he is highly respected by his company’s peers and colleagues. He is an incredible asset to his employer and will clearly serve this industry well into the future.”
Corrigan will now go on to compete against the winners from the other eight regions at the national CARTERS Apprentice of the Year 2020 competition in Auckland this November.
1st Place: Corrigan Harnett employed by Keane Building
2nd Place: Liam Brewer employed by Simon Construction
3rd Place: Jacob Duplan employed by Clive Barrington Construction
About the Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year 2020:
Each regional winner receives a prize pack that includes $2,000 to spend at CARTERS, a place at an Outward-Bound course (plus travel costs), and an apprentice membership with Registered Master Builders Association.
For the national competition, each finalist will undergo a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel. They will then compete in a practical carpentry challenge, held on 7 November in Auckland at the ASB Showgrounds. The event is open to the public.
The winner of the Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2020 Apprentice of the Year will be announced at an awards dinner on 7 November.
The Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition is made possible thanks to principal sponsor CARTERS, and the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).
For more information, visit www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz.