Tauranga to host carpentry apprentice challenge

Tauranga's carpentry apprentices are encouraged to enter the NZCB Apprentice Challenge. Photo/Supplied

Tauranga's carpentry apprentices are encouraged to enter the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge.

Tauranga is one of 18 regions nationwide that will host the competition on April 21 and is open to apprentices employed by current New Zealand Certified Builders or enrolled with Industry Training Association Building.

All apprentices who take part will receive a prize pack, which includes a T-shirt and merchandise.

Each regional winner will progress to the national final in Rotorua in May, where they will compete for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and a prize package valued at more than $50,000.

Competitors will be advised a week in advance of the structure they are to build, and will be given eight hours to complete it on the day. Apprentices will be provided with trade-quality timber and materials, and their structures must meet minimum safety standards.

Apprentices' final structures will be scored by a panel of judges who will be assessing a range of building elements including quality of the workmanship, the accuracy of measuring and cutting, assembly, and the apprentice's ability to work to a detailed plan.

Apprentices can enter by visiting www.nzcb.nz/apprenticeships and filling out the entry form. Entries must be received by March 29.

The New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge is held in association with the Industry Training Association Building, with support from ITM and Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust.

Regions holding an NZCB Apprentice Challenge include: Whangarei/Northland, Auckland, Gisborne, Tauranga, Hamilton, Taupo, Napier, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Masterton, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Timaru, Greymouth, Cromwell, Dunedin and Invercargill.