Waikato’s top carpentry apprentice announced!
Carpentry apprentice Vincent Hubbard has been named the Waikato Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2017 Apprentice of the Year.
The 24-year-old from Hamilton trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and is employed by Urban Homes.
Vincent 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 Vincent displays excellent attention to detail, is a well-rounded individual, and is a worthy recipient of the award.
“His knowledge of his project plans, the materials used, as well as his workmanship, was of a very high standard. He also displayed good knowledge of regulatory requirements,” they said.
“Vincent’s rapport with his employer, peers, sub-contractors and clients alike, is a credit to himself. He has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Vincent 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 22-year-old Isaac Van der Valk from Cambridge, who is employed by Rob May Builders.
Third place was awarded to 21-year-old Brandon Gibson from Hamilton, who is employed by Naylor Builders Limited.
The results were announced at an awards evening on 25 August at The Verandah in Hamilton
.
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.”
Supporting the competition for the 13th year running will be principal sponsor CARTERS. CARTERS Chief Executive Mike Guy says that CARTERS are honoured to have been a part of launching the careers of skilled apprentices for over a decade.
“Apprentice of the Year reflects CARTERS’ ongoing dedication to supporting New Zealand’s apprentices through investing in training and mentoring. New Zealand’s construction sector is booming and attracting young talent to our industry is key to on-going success,” he said.
We congratulate Vincent on his success in the regional competition and look forward to seeing all the finalists put their skills to the test in the national competition in November.”
Vincent 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.