Top Southern building apprentice announced

Invercargill carpentry apprentice David Gare has been named the Southern Registered Master Builders Carters 2014 Apprentice of the Year.

The 24 year old, employed by Barry Stewart Builders and trained through the BCITO, impressed judges who say he is a confident apprentice who displayed an in-depth knowledge of the building industry.

"At David’s site visit his high standards of leadership and passion for his project were clear. His assured manner and obvious skills are a credit to him - David has what it takes to become a true building professional."

David was awarded an array of prizes, including his choice of either a study grant to the value of $2,000 or $2,000 to spend at Carters and a place at an Outward Bound Leadership Programme, as well as the sought-after title of Southern Registered Master Builders Carters 2014 Apprentice of the Year.

Second place in the Southern Region was awarded to Matthew Keenan, 21, of Invercargill, employed by BJ Carter Builders, while third place went to Hamish Pask, 21, of Invercargill, employed by Amalgamated Builders.

The results were announced at an awards evening at Ascot Park Hotel in Invercargill on Friday 12 September.

Registered Master Builders acting chief executive Brendon Ward says it is gratifying to see a strong group of contenders putting themselves forward to be judged against their peers at this year’s Apprentice of the Year competition.

"Apprentices who are willing to stand up and strive to be the best they can be demonstrate the excellent talent coming through our building and construction industry. The builders who take on those apprentices should also be praised for their contribution to the growth and succession of the sector."

BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says Apprentice of the Year is a great way of encouraging best practice among young builders.

"We are right behind initiatives that provide a benchmark for builders and encourage the young ones to work to the highest standard possible. The competition is an opportunity for apprentices to stand out from their peers and really put their skills to the test."

David will now go on to compete against the winners from eight other regions at the national competition in Auckland where each apprentice will undergo a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel.

Finalists will then compete in a practical carpentry challenge where each apprentice will be tasked with completing a small building project, to be gifted to local charities on completion. The practical challenge will take place at The Cloud on Friday 17 October and will be open to the public.

The winner of the Registered Master Builders Carters 2014 Apprentice of the Year will then be announced at an awards dinner at The Cloud.

Apprentices, employers and young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are encouraged to join the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/apprenticeoftheyear and for more information visit www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz.

Owned by the Registered Master Builders Association, the 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).