Waikato region’s top building apprentice announced
25 September 2020
Building apprentice Byron Raubenheimer has been named the Waikato Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2020 Apprentice of the Year. The 29-year-old from Cambridge was trained through BCITO and is employed by GD Pringle Building Ltd.
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 25 September at Southwell School.
“Bryon started the competition with an amazing submission, that was well put together and included a huge amount of detail.” Said the judges.
He followed this up with an impressive interview with the judges, demonstrating a deep knowledge and understanding far beyond what is expected of an apprentice.
“Byron could explain in great detail the complexity involved in constructing a high-end architectural build. It is clear Bryon is prepared to go the extra mile to get the results.”
Second place in the regional competition was awarded to 26-year-old Matt Oliver from Hamilton, who was trained by BCITO and is employed by Rob May Builders.
Judges said Matt was one of the top performing apprentices for the site visits, impressing judges with his ability to run a large site along while handling multiple staff and strict deadlines.
“His calm demeanour and maturity make Matt an impressive young builder, with a huge future. He was extremely close to taking out the top award.”
Third place was awarded to 21-year-old Josh McLaughlin from Hamilton, who was trained by BCITO and is employed by Ardent Building Developments.
“Josh was one of our top scoring contestants during the practical element of the competition, finishing with one of the top marks.” The judges said.
They were impressed by Josh’s level of understanding of such a tricky site. “Talking to the homeowner, who Josh had a great rapport with, she was blown away to find out he was still an apprentice. This is a real compliment to Josh’s skill level and knowledge. He is well deserving of his placing in a group of highly talented apprentices.”
Byron 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 - Byron Raubenheimer employed by GD Pringle Limited
2nd - Matt Oliver employed by Rob May Builders
3rd - Josh McLaughlin employed by Ardent Building Developments
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.