The Bay of Plenty / Central Plateau Apprentice of the Year Regional Winner is...🛠️

The top three Apprentices from the Bay of Plenty / Central Plateau region have been announced for the 2022 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 sawhorse. The top 10 from each region then progressed to the interview stage with a judging panel and an onsite visit to discuss their project. 

26 year old Vishal Toi Toi from Mount Maunganui was named the Bay of Plenty / Central Plateau Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year winner. Vishal's training provider is BCITO and he is employed by 90 Degrees Construction.



The judges said "Vishal’s passion and enthusiasm for his job really shone through. He demonstrated a positive attitude and willingness to learn, enabling him to acquire the fundamental skills required to be a good builder. He has developed great self-management skills and is able to think critically to achieve his goals. Co-running his site has given Vishal the valuable opportunity of managing a build from start to finish, teaching him the skills of planning, people, and time management."
 
Second place went to Tapiwa Chikono, 22. His training provider is Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) and he's employed by Finelines Construction.



"Tapiwa is a driven, motivated, and a clear communicator. His positive attitude towards learning and improving his craft is already paying off. He has been recognised by being given the leadership role to him by his senior builder.

By being more accountable, Tapiwa has acquired a greater awareness of his work. It has also taught him confidence, management and leadership skills. This award is just recognition of Tapiwa’s motivated approach and hard work. This experience will prove invaluable in his future as a qualified builder."
 
Third place went to Josh Jarvis, 26. His training provider is BCITO and he is also employed by 90 Degrees Construction.



"Josh is a skilled apprentice who takes pride in the quality of his work. He is always striving to improve his skills and take on new challenges and responsibilities. Josh's leadership role on a new build has taught him valuable skills like planning, clear communication, and balancing time management with quality workmanship. Embracing the challenge, and believing in his own abilities, has given Josh the confidence to take control and improve his overall skillset. Josh’s determination to deliver a quality product bodes well for a promising future for him in the building industry."



National Competition
The top apprentice from each region will then go on to compete in the National Competition in Auckland. This includes a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel and an additional six-hour practical skills test, followed by the National Awards Dinner where we will announce the winner. 

The National Practical will be co-located at CONZTRUCT Auckland North on Monday 14th November 2022 at Eventfinda Stadium.

CONZTRUCT is New Zealand's largest travelling construction trade show and attracts thousands of builders, architects, designers, and other trade professionals at its 16 annual events nationwide. Each event covers the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, and the exhibition includes showcasing a diverse range of products and services from the industry’s brand leaders.  

If you have any questions please email aoy@masterbuilder.org.nz