The Waikato Apprentice of the Year Regional Winner is...🛠️
12 August 2022
The top three Apprentices from the Waikato 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.
21 year old Chris Foy from Hamilton has been named the Waikato 2022 Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Chris' training provider is BCITO and he is employed by Urban Homes New Zealand.
Judges said Chris is an impressive, keen and organised apprentice with a maturity beyond his years. "He showed great awareness of health and safety. Chris has a very good skill set and fantastic tool technique, which enabled him to work at a steady but strong rate during the practical challenge. Chris’s submission impressed the judges -it was well detailed, and his involvement in the project was clearly described and this came through during the site visit."
Second place went to Caleb Haika, 25. His training provider is BCITO and he's employed by RS Design and Build.
"Caleb’s calm and collected character really shone through during his practical challenge. Keeping his work area tidy throughout the challenge, Caleb worked at a slow and steady pace showing tidy workmanship and nice hand tool technique. He presented his project to the judges very well with great attention to detail which also showed through in his workmanship on site."
Third place went to Malcom Bell, 30. His training provider is BCITO and he is employed by JCC Build.
"Malcolm is a capable apprentice who fosters great relationships with colleagues and clients. He showed good health and safety practices and had an excellent submission. On site, Malcolm demonstrated great leadership qualities and a fantastic understanding of detail for a complicated reclad."
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