Apprentice nails big win
Andrew Press is the top carpentry apprentice in the Wellington and Wairarapa region.
Press was named Wellington Wairarapa Registered Master Builders Carters 2016 Apprentice of the Year on September 2.
The 24-year-old from Upper Hutt trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and is employed by Hutt City Builders.The judges praised Press for his wide range of building knowledge and great eye for detail.
‘‘Andrew impressed us with his quality project management, his leadership skills in running a building site, and his high standard of workmanship.
‘‘He has great over-all knowledge of the building process, including Health and Safety and building products,’’ the citation said.
’’He is a role model for others, has a great rapport with his colleagues and will go a long way with his career.’’
Press was awarded a range of products and tools, $2000 to spend at Carters and a spot at an Outward Bound Course.
Second place went to Michael Murphy, 25, who is employed by Wilson Building Wellington Ltd while Harvey Mason, 23, from Khandallah, who works for Peter Strawbridge Builders, was third.
Wellington Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly said the competition celebrated the quality of New Zealand’s carpentry apprentices and also helped promote the opportunities an apprenticeship in the trades had to offer.
‘‘The construction industry is going through an unprecedented period of growth.
‘‘We need more people to join the trades across all levels,’’ he said.
‘‘We applaud the commitment and determination from all the apprentices and look forward to seeing even more from the finalists at the national competition in November.’’
Press will compete against nine other regions at the nationals in Auckland.
The competition holds an important place in upholding the reputation of New Zealand’s building industry, Carters national sales manager Rob Watson said.
‘‘Apprentice of the Year is a fundamental element of Carters’ investment in partnering with and ensuring that New Zealand’s apprentices are highly skilled, mentored and educated.’’