Media release: Monday 21 August
Central North Island region’s top carpentry apprentice announced!
Carpentry apprentice Atigiapa Meyrick has been named the Central North Island Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2017 Apprentice of the Year.
The 23-year-old from Palmerston North trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and is employed by Isles Construction Limited.
Atigiapa impressed the judges with the skills he had learned from his apprenticeship. The judging process involved a written project submission followed by an interview with a regional judging panel for the top ten apprentices in each region. Judges then visit the apprentices on site to discuss their project and the personal contribution made to it.
Judges said that Atigiapa’s enthusiasm and preparation played a major role in his win.
“Atigiapa’s attitude to the competition was refreshing and a great example of what a young person can achieve if he sets his mind to it,” they said.
“His presentation was outstanding in all areas and his attention to detail during the site visit was beyond what the judges would expect from someone his age. His employers are very lucky to have such an outstanding young apprentice and an extremely likable young man.”
Atigiapa was awarded a range of fantastic products and tools, $2,000 to spend at CARTERS, and a spot at an Outward Bound Course.
Second place in the regional competition was awarded to 24-year-old Jack Aplin from Wanganui, who is employed by W & W Construction Limited.
Third place was awarded to 22-year-old Oliver Carrodus from Fielding, who is employed by Narley Construction Limited.
The results were announced at an awards evening on 18 August at Palmerston North Conference & Function Centre.
Registered Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly says the competition highlights the importance of apprenticeships as part of the wider need for industry-wide transformation during New Zealand’s biggest ever building boom.
“Developing and training our workforce is a crucial part of ensuring we meet our industry’s growing needs. Apprenticeships play an important role in ensuring the industry can build through the troughs and mitigate skills shortages, which are currently facing the building and construction industry,” he said.
“We applaud the commitment and determination from all the apprentices, and look forward to seeing their skills at the national competition in November as they make their mark on the industry.”
BCITO Chief Executive Warwick Quinn says the organisation is proud to be apart of an event that showcases the talent of the building and construction industry’s future leaders, at a time when they are needed the most.
“New Zealand’s construction and building sector desperately needs more recruits. Forecasts for the next few years provide confidence for people considering a career in the construction industry and for business owners thinking about expanding their business and taking on more staff.”
“Apprentice of the Year is a fantastic way to celebrate the talent that exists within the industry. All of this year’s finalists are strong role models for those considering a career in the trades, and we look forward to seeing them put their skills to the test in the national competition.”
Atigiapa will now compete against the winners from the other nine regions at the National competition in Auckland this November.
Each finalist will undergo a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel. They will then compete in a practical carpentry challenge, the product of which will be donated to a local charity.
The practical challenge is held on 3 November at the ASB Showgrounds and will be open to the public. This year the competition is taking place alongside the Auckland Build Expo, which will bring together industry professionals and leaders from across the construction sector.
The winner of the Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2017 Apprentice of the Year will be announced at an awards dinner on 3 November.
Apprentices, employers and young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders
For more information, visit
www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz.
The Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition is made possible thanks to principal sponsor CARTERS, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and supporting sponsors the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and APL through their Altherm, First and Vantage brands.