Waikato region’s top carpentry apprentice announced 10 August 2018
Carpentry apprentice Curtis Taukiri has been named the Waikato Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2018 Apprentice of the Year.
The 22-year-old from Hamilton trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and is employed by Lunix Homes Ltd.
This year, apprentices had to put their skills to the test in the first ever regional practical challenge for the competition. Apprentices were judged on the practical challenge and their initial entry submission, with the top 10 in each region progressing to an interview with the judging panel. This was followed by an onsite visit where contestants discussed their project.
Curtis impressed the judges with the skills he had learned from his apprenticeship.
“Curtis was a clear winner of the competition, topping all four of the entry components – the written assessment, practical assessment, interview with the judges and the site visit,” they said
“His building knowledge is outstanding. Curtis has an exceptionally bright future ahead of him and will be an asset to the building industry.”
Curtis 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 20-year-old Matthew Campbell from Hamilton who is employed by J A Bell Building Ltd.
Third place was awarded to 22-year-old Joshua Maisey from Cambridge, who is employed by G.D Pringle Building Ltd.
The results were announced at an awards evening on 10 August at Southwell School Performing Arts Centre in Hamilton.
Registered Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly says that Apprentice of the Year showcases the attractiveness of a career in the trades.
“Apprenticeships offer the chance to earn as you learn and be a part of an industry with strong job prospects and opportunities for growth. With the construction skills shortage currently facing the building and construction industry, the value of an apprenticeship has never been higher,” he says.
“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 a part 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.
“We need thousands more apprentices each year, which means attracting new recruits to the industry is critical. The opportunity of having the first two years of eligible programmes free of fees makes an apprenticeship an excellent choice for school leavers.
“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.”
Curtis 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 9 November at the ASB Showgrounds and will be open to the public. 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 2018 Apprentice of the Year will be announced at an awards dinner on 9 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 sponsor the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).