Upper South Island region’s top building apprentice announced
23 September 2020
Building apprentice Mark Lovelock has been named the Upper South Island Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2020 Apprentice of the Year. The 27-year-old from Havelock was trained through BCITO and is employed by Timbercraft Construction.
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 Friday 18 September at Renwick Events Centre.
Mark impressed the judges with his outstanding written submission. "He had documented the complete build in detail, from the original planning through to the current stage. Mark was able to utilise his previous training in architecture to assist during the planning stage. An example of this was when he was able to programme plan the build on a spreadsheet for a two-year build." said the judges.
“Mark’s interview was conducted professionally. He came well prepared, with plans, specifications and with a full-scale printout of the aforementioned program plan, which he was able to explain to our panel in full detail. His knowledge of the legislation and other theory behind the trade was also commendable.”
"We were impressed with how Mark has been involved in all aspects of the build. This includes planning, set out, groundworks, prefabrication and the delivery and installation. "
Second place in the regional competition was awarded to 21-year-old Cameron Palmer from Linkwater, who was trained by BCITO and is employed by Brent Woodward Builder. Judges said Cameron's written submission was also a high standard, and showed a good understanding across a wide range of topics.
"He demonstrated a good knowledge of the theory behind the building industry and showed enthusiasm to be a leader. "
"During his site visit he came into his own." they said. "It was clear that Cameron planned his work well and was effective in eliminating most problems before they start. Creating a new from an old existing build always unearths ongoing problems. Cameron dealt with this using great initiative and thinking outside the square."
Third place was awarded to 24-year-old Daniel Small from Blenheim, who was trained by BCITO and is employed by Scott Construction Marlborough Limited.
“Daniel’s written submission was of a professional nature. He had gone into great detail about his chosen build and his obvious passion he has for the trade.”
They mentioned that Daniel is clearly held in very high regard by his employer, judging by the employee referee supplied. "His enthusiasm to be a “green star” practitioner is encouraging for our future."
"Daniel interviewed well both in the formal setting and also during the site visit where he did a great job explaining the process of the build. He demonstrated a strong understanding of all the technical aspects of products used on the build, in particular the “green star” building process."
Mark 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: Mark Lovelock employed by Timbercraft Construction
2nd Place: Cameron Palmer-McGruer employed by Brent Woodward Builder
3rd Place: Daniel Small employed by Scott Construction Marlborough Limited
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.