Hat trick for Western Bay at apprentice of the year awards

Three Western Bay of Plenty apprentices took out first, second and third at the top regional carpentry competition.

Tauranga apprentice Ethan Inglis was named Bay of Plenty Central Plateau Registered Master Builders Carters 2016 Apprentice of the Year, held last night in Tauranga.

The 22 year-old from trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and was employed by Skilled Building Solutions.

Second place went to Katikati's Alwyn Vickers, a 20-year-old employed by Parkin Builders Limited.

Tauranga 23-year-old Jacob Cvitanovich placed third. He was employed by Venture Developments.

Judges said first place winner Mr Inglis was an outstanding individual who showed maturity beyond his 22 years, and is a worthy winner of the Bay of Plenty Central Plateau Apprentice of the Year.

"Ethan is confident and leads by example in all facets of the building process. His knowledge of the building site, ability to identify potential problems and support with quality solutions was second to none.

"It is clear Ethan is very capable and has excellent communication skills. He is very good at planning and implementing a project.

"Ethan is a stand out performer with confidence and enthusiasm, and the knowledge to back it all up."

Mr Inglis was awarded a range of fantastic products and tools, $2,000 to spend at Carters, and a spot at an Outward Bound Course.