Top Building Apprentices Announced!

 The top apprentices from each 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. 

The eight top apprentices will now go on to compete in the national competition in November. 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. 

Congratulations to all our winners. 

PAULO OLIVEIRA

Region: Northern | Training provider: BCITO | Employer: TP Builders

Judges said despite only arriving in New Zealand from Brazil four years ago Paulo’s submission was most impressive. “Sound technical knowledge was displayed throughout, which was enhanced by Paulo’s flowing and professional style of writing. Paulo watched Thomas O’Brien compete two years ago – and has been working on his application since then. This came across in Paulo’s site visit presentation, which showcased his detailed project knowledge, passion, confidence, and shining enthusiasm.”

DANE SCHNELL

Region: Auckland | Training provider: BCITO | Employer: Coastal Concepts

Judges said Dane is a great all-rounder and is a clear and concise thinker. “His submission was detailed and professional, which was further reinforced with well-constructed responses to the interview questions. Dane had a great reference from the client and displayed a deep understanding of the finer details. The pride that Dane takes in his own work was also mentioned, underscoring his great attitude and why he is running jobs. He will be a great asset to the industry.”

VISHAL TOI TOI

Region: Bay of Plenty / Central Plateau | Training provider: BCITO | Employer: 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.”

CHRIS FOY

Region: Waikato | Training provider: BCITO | Employer: Urban Homes

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.

RYAN MANCER

Region: Central North Island / East Coast Hawke’s Bay | Training provider: BCITO | Employer: Shane Stone Builders

Judges said Ryan is a very impressive apprentice who has a great skill set and his workmanship is at the level of a Qualified Carpenter. “His site visit and interview were excellent, and he has done an amazing job on his classroom conversion. Ryan demonstrated to the judges that he knew the project inside out, from health and safety to dealing with his client and subbies. He will go a long way in his building career and is going to be a great asset to Shane Stone and Whanganui building in general.”

CHRIS REEDY

Region: Lower North Island | Training provider: BCITO | Employer: Barber Construction

The judges said, “It was clear that Christopher had put a lot of effort in to ensure he was well versed on the required interview topics. His passion for the industry really shone through, particularly his extensive building knowledge. It is obvious that Christopher keeps up to date with industry changes and is now running his own jobs. He will go a long away in the construction industry.”

JEREMY PEARCE

Region: Upper South Island | Training provider: BCITO | Employer: Scott Construction

Judges said “Jeremy is an apprentice who is well regarded by his peers. He showed very good knowledge of his worksite and health and safety, understanding all facets of the build. Jeremy demonstrated professionalism and good communication skills during his interview. He was able to clearly explain his plans, materials, and the legislative requirements, and if he didn’t know the answer, he knew where to find the information.”

LEON HINGSTON

Region: Central South Island & Southern | Training provider: BCITO | Employer: 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.”