NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM 2023 Final

Apprentices rock!

The 2023 New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM saw 21 apprentices qualify for the National Final and assemble together in Christchurch over 25 – 27 May. As always, they rocked it!

and scored consistently high results across all assessments of the Apprentice Challenge. Alex received a prize package valued at $10k from ITM, the naming rights sponsor, and long-term supporter of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge. Congratulations to you Alex!

Second place was awarded to Jared Menzies (22) representing Tauranga Districts, a returning competitor from 2021. Jared is enrolled with Te Pūkenga – BCITO based in Tauranga and is employed by Paul James Builders Limited. Jared received a prize package valued at $7k thanks to the generous sponsorship of Milwaukee Tool New Zealand.

This year’s event saw another cohort of fantastic apprentices representing their regions, employers, and themselves with pride. Despite a quick seven-week turnaround from the regional heats to the National Final, every apprentice completed the compulsory pre-final homework assignments, including a CV, cover letter, and work portfolio for assessment from the judging panel.

The Judges

The judging panel consisted of returning judge Derek Heard, Chair of the NZ Building Industry Federation, and two new judges; Jason McClintock, Carpentry Tutor at Te Pūkenga Toi Ohomai, and last year’s winner Joshua Welsh of Welsh Construction. The judges were impressed by the calibre of the top three place setters, but said it was evident early on in the assessment phase that one apprentice was ahead of his peers.

The Winners

The winner of the 2023 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM was Alex Erickson (22) representing Canterbury. Alex, an apprentice enrolled at Te Pūkenga – Ara Institute of Canterbury, and who is employed by Steve Brown Builders Limited, is a humble young man who quietly but confidently went about his work

Third place was awarded to Daniel Merwyn (22) representing Taupō. Dan is enrolled with Te Pūkenga – Toi Ohomai based in Taupō and is employed by Wade Construction Limited. Daniel received a prize package valued at $5k thanks to the generous sponsorship of Paslode New Zealand.

The Chairperson’s Personality Award was presented to Charlette Bone (37) representing Nelson Bays. Charlette is employed by Tasman Homes (Nelson) Limited and is an apprentice enrolled at Te Pūkenga – Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Charlette received a prize package valued at $3k thanks to the generous sponsorship of Winstone Wallboards.

Sponsors and Supporters

This year’s event received overwhelming sponsorship and support from many industry suppliers. Thanks and acknowledgement goes to ITM, Milwaukee Tool New Zealand, Paslode New Zealand, Winstone Wallboards, Comfortech Building Performance Solutions® (Pink Batts), Sika New Zealand, Bahco, Red Stag Timber, and PlaceMakers. NZCB is grateful to all sponsors for their support and commitment to the Apprentice Challenge. The combined prize package for the 2023 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM was in excess of $100k, making this year’s event the biggest yet.

Charity Donation

Proceeds from the sales of this year’s project, produced as part of the regional heats, were donated to KidsCan, a charity dedicated to supporting early childcare centres and children of families who are struggling. In total, $9750 was raised and presented to Chontelle Mosegi from KidsCan.

Last but not least

On the 25th anniversary of NZCB and in the eighth year I have been privileged to be part of the Apprentice Challenge, it was a personal highlight to reconnect with so many ex-winners and participants of the Challenge who attended conference as delegates and members of NZCB.

Evidence perhaps that those early connections to NZCB via the Apprentice Challenge are crucial to the longevity and alignment of the next generation of NZCB membership.

On behalf of the NZCB members, including staff and sponsors, I congratulate each of the apprentice finalists who took part in the 2023 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM. As always, it was my pleasure to host each of you at the National Final alongside the annual NZCB AGM, Conference & Expo.

NZCB wishes you the very best for the remainder of your apprenticeship and beyond.

Nick Matthews NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager