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 2023 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 step stool. The top 10 from each region then progressed to the interview stage with a judging panel and an onsite visit to discuss their project.
Mike Watson, 34, from Tauranga, was named the Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau 2023 Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Mike was trained through Toi-Ohomai, Te Pūkenga and is employed by JBH Building.
Judges said "A great all-round apprentice, with a superb attitude towards learning. Mike excelled in the first stage of the competition. With a strong ability to communicate, Mike had an excellent submission that showed a very solid understanding of his project. His practical project was very well-built, and we were impressed with his high level of workmanship. "
Second place went to Elliot Janissen, 23. His training provider is BCITO | Te Pūkenga and he's employed by Todd Grey Builders.
"Elliot had superb attention to detail and is truly a real team player with a great attitude, which shone through in his site visit interview. He had an excellent submission with neat and tidy work, which really impressed the judges. This award is recognition of Elliot’s motivated approach to building and his hard work. "
Third place went to Tapiwa Chikono, 23. His training provider is BCITO | Te Pūkenga and he is employed by Finelines Construction.
"A fantastic effort, Tapiwa is an excellent team player, with very good attention to detail that was displayed throughout the practical element of the competition. It is clear that he is a highly motivated apprentice and will be an asset to 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 Thursday 9th November 2023 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