Central South Island's Top Building Apprentice Announced
16 September 2021
The top three Apprentices from the Central South Island region have been announced for the 2021 Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year.
The Apprentice of the Year competition recognises excellence among carpentry apprentices and raises awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry. The competition tests our future sector leaders' project management, business, presentation, and practical skills. For the regional competition, each apprentice had to initially submit a building project. They then took part in a two-hour practical challenge where they were tasked with building a shoe rack. The top 10 from each region then progressed to the interview stage with a judging panel and an onsite visit to discuss their project.
27-year-old building apprentice Phillip Jamieson from Christchurch was named the Central South Island 2021 Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Phillip is trained through BCITO and employed by Ridgeline Building.
Phillip Jamieson demonstrated a great all-round attitude and natural hands-on capability to the judges. Phillip is very competent and confident at his job; he’s been taught well and has the ability to pick up new skills at a fast pace. He showed excellent knowledge of his project, which was the restoration of a historic house. Phillip is a natural leader and has a bright future in the building industry.
Second place went to Lila Reich, employed by The Decking Guys, and trained through ARA
Lila Reich immediately showed the judges why she was here to compete in this year’s Central South Island regional competition. Lila has a real passion for the industry, which was evident when she confidently showed the judges around her project. She is competent and focused, and this is shown in her workmanship. Lila enjoys working alongside other people in the trade and takes pride in the projects she is involved in - she will be an asset to the industry.
Third place went to Callum Upfold, from Timaru Construction, and trained through BCITO
Callum Upfold is a very capable apprentice who is well respected by his peers and colleagues. He has a clear desire to succeed in the building industry, a very good attitude, and a solid work ethic. He has great industry knowledge and is a confident young man who demonstrated sound knowledge of his project. Callum is now leading and mentoring younger apprentices onsite.
The top apprentice from each region will then go on to compete in the Master Builders National competition. This includes a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel and an additional six-hour practical skills test.
