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The 2021 Apprentice of the Year Winner is..

We are proud to announce our 2021 Apprentice of the Year following the national event which took place in Wellington on Wednesday and Thursday last week.  

Jarred Badham from the Central North Island region, employed by Nailing It and trained through BCITO has taken the out the title of 2021 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Jarred is from Palmerston North.

The competition was once again a chance for the industry to recognise the important role that a strong pipeline of talent plays. Apprentice of the Year not only celebrates developing talent but showcases to the country the opportunity that being a carpentry apprentice represents. 

Congratulations Jarred, and thanks to all those across the country who make this event a success every year. 

The importance of taking on apprentices 

Apprentices are key to meeting our country’s building needs today and over the long term. Simply put, our sector needs to develop talent if we are to be successful. 

Today, less than 20% of employers take on apprentices. This needs to change. Investing in apprentices means not only do you provide apprentices with career opportunities but also future proof your businesses and the construction industry.
Our members tell us that industry led workplace training and apprenticeships work best for the building sector.

With only 25,000 businesses taking part in workplace training, it would be great to see more of the industry getting involved.

This sentiment is repeatedly backed up by solid data that demonstrates taking on apprentices is good for business. BCITO research shows that construction companies that take on apprentices charge more per hour, estimate work more accurately and take less time to complete tasks or projects.

What’s more, this benefit is sustained well into the future. For every $1 spent on training a carpenter, a business will benefit by $4.70 in increased profit for up to a 10-years. Training an apprentice not only makes sense, it makes dollars. 

The Government’s Apprenticeship Boost scheme, announced last year, has been extended into 2022. This scheme helps businesses to keep and take on new apprentices using direct payments to employers. You can find out more about the scheme and how to apply here. 

The importance of our future industry leaders

It’s vital that we continue to celebrate winning apprentices. Support of the trades and apprenticeships has never been so important. Our development of new talent must keep pace with the demand for skilled builders. The long-term health of our sector depends on it. It is promising to see such great talent coming through this year’s competition, especially during COVID times.

Runner-up was Hayden Lambert, 26, from the Waikato region, employed by SJR Builders, trained by BCITO. Third place went to Joshua Fraser, 23, from Auckland, employed by Craft Renovations, trained by BCITO.

A huge congratulations to all ten national finalists who proudly represented their respective regions. Each had to compete against more than 100 other apprentices in their local competitions which is a significant achievement. 

The top ten carpentry apprentices from all around Aotearoa came together in Wellington to complete the final stages of the competition – which this year looked slightly different due to COVID-19 restrictions. Those apprentices who were able to attend in person completed a 45-minute face-to-face interview with the judging panel, made up of leading building experts. In the interview the apprentices were asked to discuss a recent building project which they submitted in the weeks leading up to the national competition. Those who could not travel to Wellington, completed their interviews with the judges virtually. 

Our sponsors stand behind apprentices

Apprentice of the Year would not be possible without our national sponsor family. The loyalty of our sponsors and their investment in the competition and our industry is fantastic and hugely appreciated.

"We're really proud to have been sponsoring the Apprentice of the year competition for 17 years - and in that time, we've seen some incredibly talented apprentices go on to have really successful careers.

CARTERS remains committed to supporting Kiwi apprentices as they build their future in the construction industry, so partnering with the competition is a great way to celebrate emerging talent and our future industry leaders.” 

-       CARTERS CEO, Mike Guy

 “It’s been very promising to see such great support for both apprentices and employers this year. The competition is a wonderful opportunity for the sector to come together to celebrate and recognise our future builders. Given the current COVID-19 environment, it is now more than ever, crucial for New Zealand to have a pipeline of skilled and well-trained apprentices. We congratulate all of the national finalists for their outstanding achievements,”

-     BCITO Director, Jason Hungerford

For more information go to apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz