The Central South Island and Southern Apprentice of the Year Regional Winner is...🛠️
18 August 2022
The top three Apprentices from the Central South Island and Southern Apprentice 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.
22 year old Leon Hingston from Rangiora was named the Central South Island and Southern Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year winner. Leon's training provider is BCITO and he is employed by Clive Barrington Construction.
The judges said "Leon is an excellent example of a mature and competent apprentice. He has been well trained by his employer and is naturally talented, with skills and capabilities that will serve him well in the future. As a recently qualified trade carpenter, Leon’s attitude, leadership qualities, and practical knowledge set him apart. Leon’s calm demeanour is another asset, allowing him to problem solve on the spot and consistently deliver strong results."
Second place went to Nic Menlove, 21. His training provider is BCITO and he's employed by Botting Builders.
"Nic is a true trade professional - measured and precise in everything he does. He has been given good opportunities by his employer. This has allowed Nic to develop a sound understanding of all tasks he performs. Nic is a respectful, resolute young man who is motivated by a good challenge. He has great hands-on capabilities, which is topped off by his impressive organisational skills and sector knowledge."
Third place went to Chelsea Roper, 28. Her training provider is BCITO and she is employed by Queenstown Carpenters.
"Chelsea is a very capable, mature young woman who is well respected by her colleagues. A motivated individual, she has a clear desire to succeed in the building and construction industry. Chelsea was lucky enough to work on the reconstruction of a relocated Historic Church. This provided a lot of good learning opportunities and saw her develop many new skills, which will prove invaluable as she progresses in the industry. In the final year of her carpentry apprenticeship training, Chelsea has acquired a great knowledge of the 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.