NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM – Regional Competitions 2021

NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM –

Regional Competitions 2021

NZCB Apprentice Sponsored by ITM –

Regional Competitions 2021

Nick Matthews NZCB & ITAB Business Development Manager – South Island

Multiple records broken at Regional Competitions

On Saturday 10 April, 102 apprentices nationwide put their best foot forward and competed for the right to represent their region in this year’s New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM.

Combined Canterbury and Mid & South Canterbury 2021 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM.

While the event wasn’t held last year due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, the Apprentice Challenge has continued to grow and is now in its 10th year. Record numbers of apprentices contended this year with 20 of NZCB’s 22 geographical regions represented.

Once again both ITAB and BCITO apprentices represented themselves with pride; showcasing their skills and ability to the highest standard during the tough and challenging 2021 event. Credit and acknowledgement should also be given to their employers for investing in training, and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople - congratulations to you all.

NZCB’s and ITM event hosts reported the competition was hotly contested with some apprentices completing the task in record time, finishing just after lunch! While others took a little longer and needed the entire time, our competition judges reported a good overall standard.

Due to the generous sponsorship from ITM, all apprentices received branded apparel and a gift from Makita. First-place winners received an 82mm Makita planer, second place getters took away a Makita circular saw, and a Makita angle grinder was handed to third place winners. Many thanks to ITM stores and key staff who provided materials, physical location, and catering support. The 2021 Apprentice Challenge saw a number of other firsts. Media coverage was at an all-time high with 70 articles published, and 30 Members of Parliament attended regional events nationwide helping to raise the profile and awareness of New Zealand Certified Builders. Also, for the first time in the history of the competition, two female apprentices qualified for the national final. Overall, 19 apprentices will compete for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy in Wellington during the 22nd Annual NZCB Conference and Expo, 11–12 June, at the TSB Arena in Wellington.

The Challenge project, a ‘Classic Kiwi Picnic Table’, will be sold on TradeMe with the combined proceeds donated to the Cancer Society. Keep an eye out for the total raised, which will be presented to the Cancer Society in Wellington at our Conference and Expo in June. The Cancer Society is a worthy not-for-profit charity that NZCB is proud to partner with and support.

NZCB wishes all apprentices who entered the 2021 Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM the very best for the remainder of their apprenticeship. To the 19 finalists, we look forward to hosting you in Wellington.

May the best apprentice win!

Meet the 2021 Regional Competition Finalists

Aidan Williams | WHANGAREI

Aidan is an ITAB apprentice employed by Kiwibuilt Construction Ltd in Whangarei.

Roderick Jeremia | AUCKLAND NORTH

Roderick is an ITAB apprentice employed by Building Maestro’s Ltd in Auckland North.

Cole Moore | AUCKLAND SOUTH

Cole is an ITAB apprentice employed by Kiwi Construction in Auckland South.

Lucile Richardson | WAIKATO

Lucile is an ITAB apprentice employed by Graham Walker Builders is Hamilton.

Jared Menzies | TAURANGA DISTRICTS Jared is a BCITO apprentice employed by Paul James Builders Ltd in Tauranga.

Jared Cottle | ROTORUA

Jared is a BCITO apprentice employed by Pope Homes Ltd in Rotorua.

Liam Maniapoto | TAUPO

Liam is an ITAB apprentice employed by Wade Construction Ltd in Taupo.

Trent Bray | HAWKE’S BAY

Trent is an EIT apprentice employed by Hawke’s Bay Homes in Napier.

Finn Johnson | GISBORNE

Finn is a BCITO apprentice employed by Character Building Ltd in Gisborne.

Harrison Gillard | MANAWATU

Harrison is a BCITO apprentice employed by Craigs Building in Palmerston North. Samuel Curran | TARANAKI

Samuel is an ITAB apprentice employed by Adan Larsen Builders in New Plymouth.

Logan Allen | WAIRARAPA

Logan is a BCITO apprentice employed by D Mac Construction Ltd in Masterton.

Honu Kirifi | WELLINGTON

Honu is an ITAB apprentice employed by Mike Craig Builders Ltd in Upper Hutt.

David Maisey | NELSON BAYS

David is an ITAB apprentice employed by Tasman Homes (Nelson) Ltd in Nelson.

Daniel Michael | CANTERBURY

Daniel is an ITAB apprentice employed by Taylormade Builders Ltd in Christchurch.

Marc Palmer | MID & SOUTH CANTERBURY Marc is an ITAB apprentice employed by Bayfields Ltd in Timaru.

Briearnah Cook | CENTRAL OTAGO

Briearnah is a BCITO apprentice employed by Brook Carr Building Ltd in Cromwell.

Ryan Whitburn | OTAGO

Ryan is an ITAB apprentice employed by Matt Wadsworth Builder Ltd in Dunedin.

Blake Mennell | SOUTHLAND

Blake is a BCITO apprentice employed by Kennedy Brothers Building Ltd in Invercargill.