Apprentice builders donating playhouses to community

A building challenge between apprentices will see four castle playhouses worth $450 each donated to early childhood centres in South Canterbury.

Three South Canterbury apprentices will join a pool of 98 nationwide taking part in the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge on Saturday, which has apprentices compete to build the best castle playhouse - with a turret and working drawbridge - in eight hours.

A fourth apprentice from North Canterbury, who was unable to slot into the Christchurch competition because there was no room, will be working alongside the South Cantabrians but in his own category.

Gallagher Trade Building apprentice Nathan Rathgen said he was drawn to compete by the idea of facing other apprentices.

‘‘I want to see how I stack up,’’ Rathgen said.

He saw the event as a chance to observe his fellow apprentices and meet the expert builders that make up the judging panel.

‘‘It will be a good experience,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m quietly nervous about it.’’ The winner of the local competition will head to Rotorua at the learning end of May for an assessment involving making various structures, answering in-depth questions, and delivering an hourlong speech.

New Zealand Certified Builders regional president Dan Gallagher said in the competition’s eightyear run, this was the first time it had been held in Timaru.

Gallagher said the event was a confidence booster for apprentices.

‘‘I think it’s going to be really good for the boys,’’ he said.

Gallagher was hopeful the competition’s nationwide exposure would inspire high schoolers to take up building.

‘‘For anybody thinking about what to do next year, there will be a heap of people to have a yarn to.’’

ITM regional manager Glen Bateman said people were free to visit the workers any time at Timaru’s ITM in Washdyke on Saturday, from 8am when the competition kicks off to 4.30pm when judging starts.

Spectators can enjoy a sausage sizzle from 11am to 12 noon.