Entries open to find New Zealand's top carpentry apprentices

Carpentry apprentices are being encouraged to claim their share of more than $100,000 worth of prizes, by taking part in the Registered Master Builders Carters 2013 Apprentice of the Year.

Entries are now open for the competition, which provides a chance for carpentry apprentices to be recognised for their talent, skill and drive. RMBF chief executive Warwick Quinn says those who enter have the potential to go a long way in the industry.

“Entering Apprentice of the Year is a great way to show your employer and those in the industry that you mean business,” Mr Quinn says.

“While not every apprentice can take home the title, there are a number of regional and national prizes up for grabs. You won’t know if you don’t give it a go. It’s a fantastic experience for all entrants.”

James Poore, winner of the 2012 competition, believes those who take part in Apprentice of the Year will be setting themselves up for a good career in the industry.

“I learned so much from taking part in the competition. It was a fantastic event, and people do take note when you enter. I know my title of Apprentice of the Year is going to help me out a lot with my career,” James says.

BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says now is a great time for young people to be getting involved in the construction industry.

“With the Government’s new incentive scheme for apprentices and their employees now available, we can expect to see a real influx of skilled young builders and tradespeople, and a new bunch of people ready to take part in Apprentice of the Year in a couple of years’ time,” Mr Karaitiana says.

Principal sponsor Carters will be supporting the competition for the ninth time this year, and chief executive Paul Bull says he is proud to be involved in the 2013 Apprentice of the Year.

“Being involved in Apprentice of the Year is something Carters is really passionate about. Giving back to our industry is important to us, and backing the apprentices who take part in this competition is a great way to support the future of our industry,” Mr Bull says.

Apprentices can register their interest in the competition at www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz from 2 April, before entering full submissions, with entries closing on Thursday, 13 June. Heads Up meetings are also being held around the country throughout April and May where apprentices can get tips on entering the competition from past winners and judges you. Further details are also available through the website.
Apprentices, employers and those young people aspiring to be a part of the construction industry are also encouraged to join the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/apprenticeoftheyear.

The Apprentice of the Year competition is made possible thanks to principal sponsor Carters, the Registered Master Builders Federation, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), and supporting sponsor the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Notes to editor:

The Apprentice of the Year competition is a joint initiative by Carters, the Registered Master Builders Federation, and the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).  It aims to recognise excellence among carpentry apprentices and raise awareness of the career opportunities in the building and construction industry.

The Apprentice of the Year competition is run in 10 regions: Northern, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and East Coast, Central North Island, Wellington, Upper South Island, Central South Island and Southern.

Entrants will be interviewed by a judging panel and up to 10 regional finalists will be short listed based on their written application and an interview. The judging panel will then undertake a site visit to each of the 10 finalists in each region before the regional winner and place getters are announced at regional events in September. The 10 regional winners will then compete for the National Apprentice of the Year title. Judging takes place over two days and includes a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel and a practical test.

The winner of the National Apprentice of the Year title will be announced at an awards evening in Auckland following national judging in October. 

THE PRIZES

The winner from each region will receive:

• A place at a specially designed Outward Bound course ($3,600 value, plus travel costs).
• The honour of representing your region at the national competition in Auckland in October – with travel and accommodation for you and up to three guests.
• Attendance at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year, National Awards Gala Dinner in Auckland in November. Includes travel and accommodation.
• High quality trade specified products and tools from one or more of the following: Stanley, Irwin, Snell Packaging and Safety and Hitachi.
• Trophy and certificate for you and your employer.

and

• A study grant to go towards the cost of finishing your study or for post-graduate study in any building and construction course (up to $2,000 value).

or

• $2,000 to spend at Carters towards increasing your toolkit, like buying an expensive power tool or two.

 

The national winner of Apprentice of the Year competition will receive:

• Carters Business Tools Grant – a $5,000 grant towards furthering your career, e.g. courses, laptop, or travel to industry conferences or expos.
• High quality trade specified products and tools from one or more of the following: Stanley, Irwin, Snell Packaging and Safety and Hitachi.
• An Apple iPad loaded with compliance documents (second and third placegetters will also receive).
• And your boss will win a Carters employer award of an Apple iPad.
• Second and third place national winners will win a prize pack including high quality trade products.
• All entrants will get a one-year apprentice membership to the Registered Master Builders Federation.