The Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge is an annual competition in New Zealand that tests and showcases electrical apprentices’ skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Last year’s challenge, organised by the Master Electricians of New Zealand, required a suitable vehicle to transport the organisation’s personnel and equipment around the country.
Ford New Zealand provided the Apprentice Challenge with a long-wheelbase Ford Transit Custom with a factory-fitted towbar for the duration of the competition.
It was branded with the Master Electricians Challenge and sponsor logos to enhance the events’ visibility and showcase Ford New Zealand’s commitment to supporting trades and apprenticeships.
Fit for the trade
In preparation for life on the road, Auckland-based vehicle canopies and accessories specialist Fleetline fitted the Transit Custom as a tradesperson’s vehicle.
The Fleetline fit-out included a five-drawer pullout drawer system, double-bay shelving with bins and cabinets, a three-drawer filing/book cabinet, and a sealed gas bottle holder.
By the right-hand side door was a three-drawer parts container with two further drawers, while on the left hand of the vehicle was single bay shelving with four shelves.
To complete the fit-out, Fleetline installed a Transtec plywood floor and LED lighting into the rear compartment of the Transit Custom.
Fleetline says the intended target customers for this specification include plumbers, electricians, and electrical engineers. The specification can be customised to customer requirements. The total cost for this fit-out was approximately $18,000 plus GST.
Taking to the road
The Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge provides a platform for apprentices to demonstrate their expertise, gain industry recognition, and foster camaraderie among participants.
According to Master Electricians marketing and communications manager Daniel Jone, the Transit Custom visited 13 locations from the top to the bottom of New Zealand, including Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, New Plymouth, Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill.
Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge chief judge Quintin Brake drove the Transit Custom, but each regional manager also took turns driving it around the country.
Jone says the Transit Custom was pivotal to the Apprentice Challenge, ensuring reliable and safe transport and playing a key role in the logistics for regional heats and the national finals.
Thanks to the internal fit-out, the Transit Customer securely and efficiently transported essential tools, test rigs, electrical components, and competition materials between event locations.
Jone drove the Transit Custom from Wellington to Christchurch, towing the 2.5-tonne box trailer containing more equipment and gear. He was impressed by the vehicle’s car-like interior, comfort, and on-road performance.
Winning apprentices
Three apprentices from the South Island cleaned up at the 2024 Apprentice Challenge in association with Etco.
The Industrial Apprentice of the Year Award 2024 went to Kent Marshall from Switchbuild Ltd Dunedin.
The Domestic/Commercial Apprentice of the Year Award 2024 went to Zak Lyttle from Aotea Electrical Nelson Ltd.
A third title, the Initiative Award, is evaluated based on the finalists’ presentation, health and safety initiative, and conduct in a competition setting.
Hugo Carey from Nairn Electrical Canterbury was the Initiative Award winner in the 2024 Apprentice Challenge.
“Ford New Zealand was a generous partner in the Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge, providing support through the use of the Ford Transit Custom,” Jone says.
“We look forward to continuing this relationship and building on the shared goal of supporting excellence within the electrical industry,” he adds.
