Apprentice carves out chance at title

Cameron Smith (left), Troy Matheson and Scott Mogford are the region's leading building apprentices. Photo / Supplied

What he described as a "love for the trade" has seen Napier building apprentice Troy Matheson come out on top at the Hawke's Bay East Coast Region's Registered Master Builders Carter 2015 Apprentice of the Year.

The awards were announced at a special dinner evening in Gisborne last Friday night.

His win means he has the chance to nail a New Zealand-wide title - he will compete against the winners from nine other regions at the national competition which will be staged in Auckland next month.

The 23-year-old, who works for Redmond Builders, said there was no better feeling than finishing a job that he could be 110 percent proud of - which is what he achieved at the regional competition.

"Due to my passion and love for the trade, and my skills and building knowledge, I think I have what it takes to excel," he said.

The judges were impressed with his skills, and noted he had been involved in some detailed work and showed the confidence to tackle complex jobs.

"He is a strong team player and displays characteristics that will see him go far in the industry," one of the judges on the night said.

His win netted him a range of building products, $2000 to spend at Carters and a spot on an Outward Bound course.

Hastings man Cameron Smith, 26, who works for Mackersey Construction, came second in the regional competition while 23-year-old Scott Mogford from Napier took third.

Registered Master Builders Association chief executive David Kelly described the contenders for the title this year as outstanding.

"It reflects a real commitment from the construction industry to apprenticeships," he said.

"It is 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."

At the national competition, Mr Matheson and his nine apprentice rivals will compete in a practical carpentry competition where they will be asked to build a play house, which will later be donated to charity.

They will also undergo a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel.