Top apprentice traded books for tools

New Zealand’s top carpentry apprentice started off studying a bio-chemistry degree at Waikato University.

When he left high school, science was the first option for Vincent Hubbard.

‘‘I wasn’t practically-minded naturally, I was always creative and artsy, but I was more academic.

‘‘I was encouraged to be a scholar, but I just found I wasn’t sure and I was too social to end up in a lab,’’ he said.

Hubbard, 24, is a Hamilton builder with Urban Homes and was recently named the country’s top carpentry apprentice at the annual Registered Master Builders Carters 2017 Apprentice of the Year awards.

He’s been in the trade for almost four years but Hubbard only picked up the tools after getting a building job over summer.

‘‘At school you get stressed out if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing at 15.

‘‘Building was always labelled as something you do when you can’t study, but if you enjoy problem-solving and love the outdoors, it’s an awesome option.’’

Hubbard beat nine others to claim the title of Apprentice of the Year.

The two-day national competition saw each of the finalists undergo a 45-minute individual interview with the judging panel. This was followed by the practical component, the puppy palace build, which took place in front of a live audience.

Although apprentices weren’t given the detailed plans of the build until the timer started tick- ing, Hubbard’s work on the puppy palace impressed the judges.

He was also the only apprentice to finish his work in the allotted time, which came as a surprise, he said.

‘‘[Time management] is actually one of my weaknesses, so I focused largely on that.’’

Hubbard said working in the trades was an ‘‘outstanding option’’ and encouraged likeminded school leavers to make it their first choice - not their last.

‘‘Four years ago I would have never thought I’d be qualified, finished renovating our house and winning a competition like this without being in debt.

‘‘It’s definitely something I’m very proud of. Being a builder is really valued by New Zealanders. When you say you’re a carpenter, Kiwis warm to that.

‘‘There’s quite a positive view of tradesmen who work hard,’’ Hubbard said.