Building apprentice snaps up second place in contest

Playhouses built by last year's national finalists in the practical challenge of the Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year competition.

Whanganui carpentry apprentice Jack Aplin has won second place in the regional final of the Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2017 Apprentice of the Year competition.

The Central North Island competition results were announced at an awards evening in Palmerston North last night.

Jack, who is employed by W & W Construction, impressed the judges with his ability to organise contractors and staff, and liaise with clients to ensure a successful project.

"Having moved from residential, Jack showed an absolute passion for commercial work," they said.

"He was glowing while he talked about what he had achieved in the commercial sector in such a short time frame. Jack was an outstanding applicant in an extremely close race for first place."

The judging process involved a written project submission followed by an interview with a regional judging panel for the top 10 apprentices in each region. Judges then visited the apprentices on site to discuss their project and the personal contribution they made.

Atigiapa Meyrick from Palmerston North took first place and Oliver Carrodus from Feilding was third.

Registered Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly says the competition highlights the importance of apprenticeships as part of the wider need for industry-wide transformation during New Zealand's biggest ever building boom.

"Developing and training our workforce is a crucial part of ensuring we meet our industry's growing needs. Apprenticeships play an important role in ensuring the industry can build through the troughs and mitigate skills shortages which are currently facing the building and construction industry."