Apprentice awards

Christchurch has no shortage of building apprentices, and now is the time for them to shine in the NZ Certified Builders (NZCB) annual Apprentice Challenge.

Challenge entries have opened, and close on 25 March. Regional competition heats will be held in multiple locations, including Christchurch, on 6 April.

Regional winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the national final, held at the NZCB Annual Conference and Expo in Wellington in June, where they will compete for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $50,000 worth of prizes.

NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager, Nick Matthews, says there has been a significant increase in carpentry apprentices in the last few years, and the competition is a fantastic way for them to demonstrate their technical skills.

“As well as technical carpentry skills, apprentices need a broad range of business competencies to be successful in the industry. That’s why we’ve set up our new Apprentice Network,” he adds. The network complements the learning that apprentices receive through their studies, by reinforcing learning on the job and offering access to industry and networking events, wider professional development opportunities, mentoring and health and wellbeing support.

On the day of the heats, each competitor will have eight hours to complete a specific project, which must meet minimum safety standards. Judges will assess a range of building elements, including quality of the craftsmanship, assembly, ability to work to a detailed plan, safe working technique and time management.

Visit apprenticechallenge.nz