Paul Maihi, an apprentice with Kaikohe company TW Henwood Builders, was named regional champion of the Northland Regional NZ Carpentry Apprenticeship Challenge at Northtec's carpentry trade block.
Paul Maihi, an apprentice with Kaikohe company TW Henwood Builders, was named regional champion of the Northland Regional NZ Carpentry Apprenticeship Challenge at Northtec's carpentry trade block.
A carpentry apprentice from a Kaikohe building company will take on his counterparts from around the country after winning the Northland Regional NZ Carpentry Apprenticeship Challenge.
Paul Maihi, a third-year apprentice with TW Henwood Builders, will represent Northland in the New Zealand final to be held at the Certified Buildersannual conference in Christchurch on May 22-23.
Mr Maihi won the regional competition, held at Northtec's carpentry trade block in Dyer St, Whangarei, on Saturday. It was one of 12 events being held across New Zealand in March-April, run by Certified Builders and the Industry Training Association (ITAB).
The challenge this year has apprentices competing to build something all apprentices must be able to handle, such as a framing wall or a staircase, with the final products going back to the Northtec Education Institute to help train future apprentices. The challenge is undertaken in a set timeframe and covers all aspects of technical building from following plans to meeting Health & Safety requirements.
Certified Builders regional president Howard Harnett said: "Given that all members of Certified Builders are required to be trade-certified, a major focus for us is helping to foster more quality apprentices. So it's appropriate that the finished products of this competition will be used to help train future apprentices through ITAB.
"With housing availability in New Zealand such a major issue, ensuring that there are enough high-quality, qualified builders is vital for the country."
The association's scheme is more comprehensive than shorter ones, with about 8000 hours (over four years) of extensive practical experience and theoretical training.
It is supported by Certified Builders, in conjunction with polytechnics, large construction companies and other employers throughout New Zealand.
