Cantabrian building apprentice Hamish Ward has been named the Central South Island’s registered master builders Carters 2015 apprentice of the year.
The 26-year-old from Christchurch works for Leighs Construction and is studying towards a diploma in construction management.
Ward originally joined the army but moved into carpentry following the Canterbury earthquakes. He says that after helping survivors out of the damaged buildings, he was motivated to join the construction industry.
“I knew that with the army, I might have had to be overseas, but at the time the big job ahead of me was the rebuild of my hometown, Christchurch,” says Ward.
Judges said the winning apprentice was a future industry leader who showed “passion and enthusiasm” for the building trade.
“Hamish impressed us from the outset with his confidence and direct communication skills. He explained his project in a faultless manner and had thorough and extensive building knowledge in both commercial and residential construction.”
Hamish won a range of products and tools, $2,000 to spend at Carters, and a spot at an Outward Bound Course.
Second place in the Central South Island region was awarded to Jono Blakely, 19, from Christchurch, and employed by Andrew James Builders Limited. Adam Parnell, 21, from Christchurch and employed by John Creighton Builders Limited was awarded third place.
RMBA chief executive David Kelly says the outstanding group of contenders this year reflects a real commitment from the construction industry to apprenticeships.
“It’s been fantastic to see the skill and commitment of these 145 young apprentices as they make their way towards becoming Master Builders,” says Kelly.
“This competition gives us a glimpse of the capability and determination amongst New Zealand’s apprentices and has given them a chance to demonstrate their hard work and passion for construction.”
Kelly says the growth in apprentice numbers was a real step forward for the sector.
Ward will compete against the winners from the other nine regions at the national competition in Auckland, on 8 and 9 October.
Each finalist will undergo a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel.
They will then compete in a practical carpentry challenge where each apprentice will build a playhouse for donation to local charities. The practical challenge will take place at The Cloud on October 9 and will be open to the public.
The winner of the Registered Master Builders Carters 2015 Apprentice of the Year will then be announced at an awards dinner at The Cloud that evening.
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