Apprentices are awesome!

The competitors in the final of the 2022 New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM came together in Hamilton over 17-19 November … and excelled!

Nineteen apprentices continued the high standard set in previous years and represented themselves, their employers, and their regions with pride. NZCB’s Bay of Islands/Far North region was represented for the first time in the history of the event. Apprentices were competing for the title and the coveted Ken Read Memorial Trophy. Special thanks to ITM for their ongoing commitment to the NZCB Apprentice Challenge, both at the regional heats and at the national final.

The Judges

The 2022 Judging Panel consisted of returning judges, Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) Board Chairman, Brian Dillon, and New Zealand Building Industry Federation Board Director, Derek Heard; and newcomer, the winner of the 2021 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM and current ITAB Apprentice Board Director, Marc Palmer. The judges reported the calibre of apprentices was extremely high, with just a 1.1% scoring separation between the top three competitors. My thanks to the Judging Panel for your professionalism and commitment to the Apprentice Challenge.

The Challenge

Having successfully won their regional competitions, each qualifying apprentice, in preparation for the final, submitted a cover letter, CV, and work portfolio, to be formally assessed by the Judging Panel. Spelling, grammar, structure, and content were critiqued, with the result recorded against the apprentice’s name, ready to be added to when the in-person assessments had been completed. These additional assessments consisted of a formal Industry Trade Exam, an interview, and a public presentation.

For many, the public speaking component was by far the most daunting. The relief on the competitor’s faces, once finished, was very evident and not surprising! This part of the assessment is open to anyone to attend, including conference delegates, employers, friends, family, and partners. It was great to see how well this was supported this year, with over two hundred people attending. The public speaking was the last formal assessment, signifying the end of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge, and the start of the wait for the Gala Awards Dinner … where the winners were announced. Every competitor was acknowledged and called onto the stage, receiving their certificate and well-deserved applause from attendees, including proud family and partners, many of whom had travelled some distance to lend their support.

And the Winners are…

Congratulations to Whangārei apprentice Joshua Welsh (27), a clearly deserving and humble winner of the Ken Read Memorial Trophy. Josh received a prize package to the value of $10,000, thanks to the generous sponsorship of ITM.

Behind the scenes, Josh was a real character, making jokes and keeping everyone entertained. However, it was obvious that he knew when to turn it on and off, setting a high standard for his fellow apprentices to follow. Josh scored consistently highly across all assessments, including the speech component of the Apprentice Challenge. This talent was evident during his acceptance speech, where he thanked his wife, Tegan, for making him enter the competition, adding that he wouldn’t be standing there if it wasn’t for her encouraging him to take a leap of faith. Congratulations, Josh. I look forward to watching your future endeavours with interest.

Second place winner was Petros Vrahasotakis (27) representing Wellington. Petros received a prize package to the value of $7,000, thanks to Milwaukee Tools New Zealand. Petros missed out on the top spot by the narrowest of margins but should be proud of his overall result, knowing he is one of the top apprentices in New Zealand. Congratulations, Petros.

Rounding out the top three was third-place winner Joshua Shoebridge (24) representing Tauranga Districts. Joshua received a prize package valued at $5,000, thanks to PlaceMakers.

Joshua’s quiet but professional manner held him in good stead during the competition, making him a standout to the judges. Congratulations, Joshua.

The Chairperson’s Personality Award was awarded to Manawatūbased apprentice Christopher Sullivan (33), who received a $3,000 prize package, thanks to Winstone Wallboards (GIB®). Chris’s interaction with his fellow apprentices and NZCB delegates made him a clear standout, earning him the recognition of having an ‘Award Winning Personality’.

Sponsors and Supporters

In addition to the naming-rights sponsor, ITM, this year’s NZCB Apprentice Challenge received overwhelming support from Winstone Wallboards (GIB®), Sika New Zealand, Paslode New Zealand, and, of course, NZCB. Finalists received tools, merchandise, and apparel, to the value of $4,000 each, just for showing up and competing! Thank you, all sponsors, for your ongoing support of NZCB and for your investment in the next generation of building professionals.

Proceeds from the Regional Competitions

It was a personal highlight, for me, to present the Cancer Society of New Zealand with an oversized cheque to the value of $10,650 from the proceeds of TradeMe auctions and sales of this year’s project, a garden bench seat (the project given to apprentices to build at the Regional Competitions). Apprentices and their employers were given the first option to buy the completed projects, with any unwanted projects sold online to raise funds for this not-for-profit and worthy charity. As an added benefit, the purchasers received a gift voucher to the value of $75, thanks to Resene Paints Limited, to purchase a stain or paint of their choosing, enhancing the overall durability of their bench seat.

I congratulate and acknowledge each of the 19 apprentice finalists. On behalf of NZCB, it was a pleasure to host you at the 23rd Annual NZCB Conference and Expo in Hamilton.

We wish each of you the very best of luck for the remainder of your apprenticeships and your future building careers.