Builders go hammer and tongs in Gisborne final

ACE APPRENTICE: Antonio Barbarich-Waikari hard at work building a fort in the Gisborne regional final of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge outside Versatile in Gladstone Road on Saturday. Antonio, one of five competitors, was judged the overall winner by a panel of experts and advances to the national final being held in Christchurch in May, much to the delight of his employers, Awanui Construct. Pictures by Paul Rickard

Nailed it!: Antonio Gisborne’s top apprentice builder.

Antonio Barbarich-Waikari is the Gisborne regional champion of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge and will further pit his skills against the best in the country.

Five apprentices were put through their paces in the Gisborne final held at Versatile in Gladstone Road on Saturday.

They had eight hours to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards.

The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges. They looked at technical aspects such as quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock, including the ability to follow a detailed plan and safe working techniques.

Antonio received the top score overall.

The 28-year-old is doing a building apprenticeship with Awanui Construct.

As well as winning the Gisborne title, he collected a $500 ITM gift voucher and earned a place in the national final.

There he will compete against 19 other regional winners for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $25,000 worth of prizes.

The national final will be held during the New Zealand Certified Builders national conference and expo in Christchurch in May.

NZCB industry pathways and apprenticeship manager Nick Matthews said Saturday’s competitions demonstrated the outstanding quality and diversity of apprentices training in the industry.

“Nationwide we’re seeing increasing diversity among apprentices entering the building trade, with a record number of female apprentices competing this year.

“The regional competitions have set the bar high ahead of the national final and these events are a great opportunity for communities around New Zealand to get an insight into building apprenticeship training and to celebrate those apprentices that are excelling in their field.”

NZCB actively encourages member builders to take on apprentices.

“The future of New Zealand’s building industry depends on a strong pipeline of trade-qualified, highly capable builders, and the NZCB Apprentice Challenge is one way we support that on a national level.”

The forts built are being auctioned off through TradeMe, with proceeds going to KidsCan and Cyclone Gabrielle relief funds.

Several will be donated to play centres in affected areas.