Apprentice Zhuoming ‘Kevin’ Fu has claimed the title of Waikato’s champion at the regional heats of the annual New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge (NZCB) sponsored by ITM, after competing against two other apprentices on April 1 and coming out on top.
The apprentices were put through their paces, and given just 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 who looked at technical aspects such as the quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock, including their ability to follow a detailed plan and safe working technique, with Zhuoming ‘Kevin’ receiving the top score overall.
Zhuoming ‘Kevin’, aged 44, is currently undertaking a building apprenticeship at Reliable Homes Limited. As well as winning the title of regional champion, Zhuoming ‘Kevin’ also won a $500 ITM gift voucher to redeem on trade tools and earned a place in the national final representing Waikato.
![Regional winner Zhuoming 'Kevin' Fu will go on to represent Waikato in the national final in Christchurch. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/MYWAJCVEEBFZFKZ2XVKYKXGJPI.jpg?auth=46b68746fa472058fdc65262a97663caa500b1cb790ebd191669baae9a36bd6b&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)