NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM – Regional Competitions 2022

NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM –

Regional Competitions 2022

NZCB Apprentice Sponsored by ITM –

Regional Competitions 2022

Nick Matthews Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager

Apprentices accept The Challenge for 2022

On Saturday the 9th of April, 95 dedicated carpentry apprentices competed for the right to represent their region in this year’s New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM.

Competitors from the Canterbury and Mid & South Canterbury 2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM, with Members of Parliament; Hon Gerry Brownlee, Hon Dr Megan Woods, Hon Poto Williams, Dr Tracey McLellan and Toni Severvin.

Operating under the ‘Red-light’ Covid setting, it was evident Covid and the ‘Omicron’ variant would impact the overall entry numbers. However, many NZCB regions had a high number of apprentice entries, setting new records, while others struggled to host an event. It was pleasing to see two events held in the Northern regions, with representation from both, the Bay of Islands and Whangārei. The Bay of Islands hosted for the first time in the history of the Apprentice Challenge, ensuring maximum representation from the Northern regions.

As is the case every year, the apprentices represented themselves with pride, showcasing their skills and ability during a tough eight-hour build to produce a bench seat. Competitors were given the first option to purchase their seats at a heavily reduced price, with remaining seats sold on Trade Me. The combined proceeds will be donated to The Cancer Society of New Zealand at the NZCB Conference and Expo in Hamilton from 17-19 November 2022.

NZCB’s Regional Presidents reported a high standard of competition with only a handful of marks separating the top place setters. Many thanks to the NZCB Presidents and supporters who made the regional heats possible and a huge success. We also acknowledge the employers for supporting and encouraging their apprentices to compete in the Challenge. Generous sponsorship by ITM saw apprentices from every region receive an ITM goodie bag with branded apparel and merchandise. The first-place winners received a $500 gift voucher, second place a $300 voucher, and third place took home a $200 voucher redeemable at supporting ITM stores. Many thanks to the Industry Training Providers who provided venues and support for the annual NZCB event. The 2022 Apprentice Challenge saw a number of high-profile MPs attend nationwide, many of whom stayed for the presentations and photo opportunities at the end of a long day’s competition. Building on the success of previous years, the 2022 Apprentice Challenge gained plenty of positive media exposure, helping to raise NZCB’s public and Industry profile. Overall, 19 apprentices will compete for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy at Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton, in November. NZCB wishes all apprentices who entered the 2022 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 the mighty Waikato. May the best apprentice win!

Meet the 2022 Regional Challenge Finalists

Quinn Kusanic | BAY OF ISLANDS/FAR NORTH Quinn is an ITAB apprentice employed by Rockstead Construction Limited in Kerikeri.

Joshua Welsh | WHANGĀREI

Joshua is an ITAB apprentice employed by Whangārei Builders Limited in Whangārei.

Cam Schache | AUCKLAND

Cam is a BCITO apprentice employed by MyHome Renovations Limited in Auckland.

Ricky Plympton | WAIKATO

Ricky is an ITAB apprentice employed by Hayward Builders Limited in Hamilton.

Joshua Shoebridge | TAURANGA DISTRICTS

Joshua is an ITAB apprentice employed by Atrium Homes Limited in Tauranga.

Hayden Carter | WHAKATĀNE

Hayden is an ITAB apprentice employed by Galloway Construction in Whakātane.

Jonny Mills | ROTORUA

Jonny is a BCITO apprentice employed by Riverwood Building Limited in Rotorua.

Josh McLean | TAUPŌ

Josh is an ITAB apprentice employed by Straight Up Construction (Taupō) Limited in Taupō.

Michael Craig | TARANAKI

Michael is an ITAB apprentice employed by Adan Larsen Builders in Stratford.

Gareth Deihl | HAWKE’S BAY

Gareth is a BCITO apprentice employed by Christie Builders & Joiners in Napier. Seth Lundon | GISBORNE

Seth is an EIT managed apprentice employed by Character Building Limited in Gisborne.

Christopher Sullivan | MANAWATŪ

Christopher is a BCITO apprentice employed by Craigs Building in Marton.

Angus Petrie | WAIRARAPA

Angus is a BCITO apprentice employed by Bashford Construction Limited in Masterton.

Petros Vrahasotakis | WELLINGTON

Petros is a BCITO apprentice employed by Castle Built in Wellington.

Chris Sinnott | NELSON BAYS

Chris is a BCITO apprentice employed by Tasman Homes (Nelson) Limited in Nelson.

Dan Michael | CANTERBURY

Dan is an ITAB apprentice employed by Taylormade Builders Limited in Leeston.

Dallas Scott | MID & SOUTH CANTERBURY Dallas is an ITAB apprentice employed by H2 Builders Limited in Ashburton.

Jack Johnston | OTAGO

Jack is an ITAB apprentice employed by Naylor Love Construction Limited in Dunedin.

Tyler Sarginson | CENTRAL OTAGO

Tyler is an ITAB apprentice employed by Mark Duffy Builders Limited in Wānaka.

Good luck to all the finalists as you advance to the National Final in November!