Apprentices swap houses for playhouses

Max Southworth works on his winning playhouse. Photo/Supplied

The Bay of Plenty Regional New Zealand Carpentry Apprentice Challenge was held last Saturday at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, with people from across the area competing by building playhouses.

The final playhouses, destined for play centres, kindergartens, crèches and other early childcare providers in the local community, were built by apprentices vying for the title of Regional Champion.

The spot was taken by building apprentice Max Southworth, 23, who works for Riordan Construction and is in his third year of his apprenticeship.

The competitors were judged on workmanship, trade skills and time management by a panel of experienced builders.

Certified Builders Chief Executive, Grant Florence, said it was great to see the talent coming through the apprentice challenges.

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"It's fitting that potential future generations of builders should benefit from the hard work and skills of today's apprentices, given qualified builders are vital to the future of our country," said Mr Florence.

"Holding regional events also gives Certified Builders members an opportunity to give back to their local communities by donating the completed playhouses to local early childcare providers."

The event was run by Certified Builders and its Industry Training Association Building (ITAB), with the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.

Mr Southworth will represent the Bay of Plenty in the New Zealand Carpentry Apprentice Challenge Final on May 26-28 in Wellington.