East Coast / Hawke’s Bay Regional Winners Announced
The top three Apprentices from the East Coast / Hawke’s Bay 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.
Building apprentice Matthew Hilson from Hastings was named the East Coast/Hawke’s Bay 2021 Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. The 22-year-old was trained through BCITO and is employed by Kuma Construction.
Matthew has a great understanding of his job. He excels when working in the deep end and has the best tool setup of all of the apprentices. During the interview he demonstrated his excellent knowledge of building code and regulations. Matthew has a great attitude, exceptional practical skills, and admirable respect for his fellow work mates.
Second place went to Orren Malot, from Napier. He’s employed by Elite Build and trained through EIT.
Orren had a very impressive project on Northshore Road. He interviewed excellently and had an advanced knowledge base. When onsite, Orren backed up his knowledge by explaining the project in detail, including outlining how the home was built so it could be transported in the event of coastal erosion. Orren has a bright future in the building industry.
Third Place went to Brad Calder, from Hastings. He works for Redmond Builders and is trained through BCITO.
The project that Brad presented was immaculate. The attention to detail was first class, with one of a kind purple heart beams and impressively set out cedar fascia, plywood, and batten. Brad had a very detailed knowledge of the project, with his employer Ben backing him up. Brad is one of those young guys that will strive in the building trade - he is very motivated to complete any task given to him.
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.
For more information about the competition, visit www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz