Trade apprentices vital

The skills and leadership qualities of entrants in the Registered Master Builders 2011 Apprentice of the Year, in association with Carters, will be critical to New Zealand's "build" future.
"The damage caused by the Canterbury earthquakes will generate an incredibly high demand for skilled builders, many of whom will be entrants or employers in this year's Apprentice of the Year competition," RMBF chief executive Warwick Quinn says.
"This also comes at a time when the industry is embarking on repairing 20,000 leaky homes, and as a country we are facing a real housing shortage - particularly in Auckland.
"So while we are experiencing a low right now in building activity, our apprentices are poised for a very busy future."
The Apprentice of the Year competition aims to highlight career opportunities in the building and construction sector, and provides a chance for carpentry apprentices to be recognised for their talent, skill and drive.
"We are going to need these apprentices with the huge amount of work that is around the corner. Employers now play an important role, encouraging these young people to become a vital part of the industry," says Mr Quinn.
The competition has more than $100,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.
Entries for Apprentice of the Year are open until June 30. For further information, or to download an entry form, go to www.masterbuilder.org.nz, www.carters.co.nz or www.bcito.org.nz. Entry forms can also be collected from Carters stores nationwide.