"Jamie walked and talked us around his site demonstrating his competency of the detailed build, and how the client brief had been met."
It was both exciting and a relief to claim the top spot last week, Mr Russell said. "I was pretty nervous."
Jamie was awarded a range of products and tools, $2000 to spend at Carters, and a spot at an Outward Bound Course.
He planned to put the $2000 towards a more expensive piece of equipment that he would not usually have been able to afford.
He usually put a bit of every pay or every second pay towards new tools. "The more tools you have, the more valuable you are to your boss."
The prestigious award would also be a good addition to his CV, he said, and it was good to "put a good shine on my boss's company too".
The former Otumoetai College student had picked up work experience in his final year of school when he was still unsure what he would do after school.
That led to a job with Skilled Building Solutions the week after he finished school and not long after that he was offered his apprenticeship.
After four years he was well on his way to launching a career for himself, with no student loan holding him back and no regrets over his choice.
Mr Russell completed his apprenticeship last month and is now a registered builder. Apprentices were able to enter the competition for eight months after graduating.
He hoped to continue working for Skilled Building Solutions before going overseas and returning to start his own business, eventually employing his own apprentices.
University may also be on the cards in the future as an opportunity to upskill in construction, with years of practical experience already under his belt.
He enjoyed both commercial and residential work, relishing the opportunity to gain experience in both. "We're doing different things every day so it keeps it interesting."
The motivated builder said competitions like Apprentice of the Year could help people starting out get ahead in the industry.
"It could be the difference in getting a job or not," he said.
Mr Russell will now go on to compete against the winners from the other nine regions at the national competition in Auckland, in October.
The winner of the 2015 Apprentice of the Year will be announced at an awards dinner on October 9.
'Industry in safe hands'
Second place was awarded to Joshua Benjamin, 19, from Tauranga, who is employed by McMillan and Lockwood.
Liam Stjernqvist, 21, from Taupo, who works for Bayline Construction, was awarded third place.
RMBA chief executive David Kelly said the outstanding group of contenders reflected a real commitment from the construction industry to apprenticeships.
"It's been fantastic to see the skill and commitment of these 145 young apprentices as they make their way towards becoming master builders.
"It's safe to say the future of the construction industry is in extremely safe hands and the public should be reassured that these young people are intent on achieving the very best quality in their craft," he said.
"This competition gives us a glimpse of the capability and determination among New Zealand's apprentices, and has given them a chance to demonstrate their hard work and passion for construction."
Mr Kelly said the growth in apprentice numbers was a real step forward for the sector.
Carters national sales manager Rob Watson said it was important to build lasting partnerships with the future leaders of the building trade.
"As the building industry continues to grow, the training and mentorship of new talent is vital to the future of our industry.
"Apprentice of the Year supports excellence, and helps apprentices gain invaluable recognition in the industry."
