A word from the 2018 NZCB Apprentice Challenge winner - Matt Hatchard

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A word from the winner

The NZCB Apprentice Challenge 2018. It’s a very apt name – what a challenge it is!

To win your regional competition building a turreted castle playhouse, drawbridge included, was hard enough, but it’s really just the beginning. A brief of requirements and a deadline hits your inbox, and the penny drops, there’s a lot of work ahead! A cover letter, a cv, a portfolio of work, and a five-minute presentation that will be delivered to the NZCB Annual Conference & Expo delegates must all be submitted by deadline – more than a few steps apart from the tools, dust and building of our day-to-day.

The finals field of 18 region-topping apprentices all passed this daunting bar to gain entry to the final so, no matter what happened, there were certainly no losers in this collection of men. I’m humbled and proud that in the midst of this great group of fellow apprentices I managed to pull through and take home to Northland, the Ken Read Memorial Trophy. At a time when anecdotally builders are struggling to find good (qualified) carpenters to cover the workload, I had been surrounded by our top future carpenters.

A page from Matt’s outstanding portfolio of work.

To the builders reading this I humbly offer my version of an approach to the shortage – take on apprentices; treat them well, get them in the game, season them, show them the plans early on the job, pay them well and make them earn it, give raises regularly as they season and grow in skill. Foster their aspirations and ambition, and we might just find that word gets out what an apprenticeship is really worth – easily as valuable (or more) as a degree, and a pathway anyone can be proud to be on.

To future apprentices – show a strong work ethic, a hunger to learn and to excel at your chosen career. The more attention focused on listening, watching, and absorbing the techniques and attitudes of the experienced carpenters on site, the better. Stay humble, pay attention to the details, and above all enjoy it, we’re supremely lucky to be in this trade!

Matt Hatchard Winner NZCB Apprentice Challenge 2018

Northern Advocate, Whangarei Northland, 30 May 2018.

Building apprentice nails top title

Russell man Matt Hatchard has been crowned the country’s top building apprentice after winning the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge.

Hatchard, 36, who is in his third year with Fox Build, took out the title from 18 others from across the country who won their regional competitionslast month.

The final was held at the

Matt Hatchard

NZCB annual conference in Rotorua over the weekend. Finalists were judged on examples of their work, dedication towards their apprenticeship, and a presentation to the more than 700 NZCB member builders attending the conference.

Robert Piutau, 33, from Auckland was second, and Thomas Ashley, 25, from Nelson third.

NZCB CEO Grant Florence said a record number of entries meant this year’s challenge was highly competitive, and all finalists had impressive skills.

As well as the recognition from winning the competition, Hatchard heads home with a prize pack valued at $20,000. The apprentice challenge is held in association with the Industry Training Association Building.

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