Hamilton builder named top apprentice for Waikato

Hamilton building apprentice Jordan Tira of A Cut Above Building has been named Waikato's top building apprentice. Photo / Supplied

Apprentice Jordon Tira was named Waikato's top building apprentice at the NZCB Apprentice Challenge on Saturday.

A field of six competed at the event, which attracted a record number of entries nationwide.

Apprentices had eight hours to create a children's castle playhouse from detailed construction plans, featuring a turret and working drawbridge. A panel of experts judged each playhouse on workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, with Jordon's playhouse receiving the highest score.

Jordon, 28, is in the fourth year of his building apprenticeship at A Cut Above Building in Hamilton. As the regional winner, he takes home a Makita power tool and ITM-branded merchandise, courtesy of sponsor ITM, and will represent Waikato at the NZCB Apprentice Challenge Final, at the NZCB Annual Conference in Rotorua on May 25 and 26.

He will compete against 19 other regional winners from around the country for the national title, and a prize pack valued at over $50,000.

NZCB chief executive Grant Florence was impressed with the talent on show. The high level of technical skills demonstrated by the apprentices was the result of comprehensive training through the ITAB (Industry Training Association Building) scheme and their employer, combined with personal dedication and skill, he said.

"Top-quality apprentices are critical for the future of New Zealand's growing building industry. Fostering and encouraging young talent is a responsibility NZCB takes seriously.

"We encourage our member builders to take on apprentices, as it creates a pathway into the industry and ensures the sector can meet the increasing demand for trade-qualified, highly-skilled and well-rounded building professionals," says Grant.