Bay apprentice on higher plane Judges

A young  Hastings building apprentice is paving his way to career success after being named the East Coast Region Registered Master Builders Carters 2011 Apprentice of the Year this week.

Gemco Construction employee Matt Saathof, 21, was given the prestigious title on Tuesday night and will go on to compete for the national title.

Judges said Mr Saathof, who trained at the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation, was a self-motivated individual who presented himself exceptionally well.

Hawke's Bay was strongly represented in the annual competition, with Mackersey Construction employees Trent Hulena, 20, of Hastings and Jonny Meechan, 21, of Napier, taking out second and third places, respectively.

Gemco Construction's Brent McAsey said Mr Saathof was a motivated, conscientious worker, constantly meeting the high standards his company expected.

"Matt's skill level allows him to be placed on commercial sites, through to the family home with ease. He is a sought-after team member who takes responsibility for his tasks and fellow apprentices," he said.

Registered Master Builders Federation chief executive Warwick Quinn said the entrants were the calibre of skilled professionals the building and construction sector needed.

"It is reassuring to see so many high-quality young apprentices taking on the challenge of the Apprentice of the Year.

"Having folk like this prepared to step up and push themselves to be the best is good for our industry and showcases building as a great career option for others," he said.

Carters chief executive Brent Waldron said the competition was important in recognising apprentices and the companies that trained them.

"Carters is a business that exists for building-industry trade customers and it is our desire to assist talented young people to make a career for themselves in our industry.

"We also recognise the commitment of the New Zealand builders who take these young people under their wing and help to train the builders of the future."

At the awards evening, held at the Tatapouri Fishing Club in Gisborne on Tuesday, Mr Saathof received a place on a specially designed Outward Bound course, valued at over $3600, and either a study grant valued up to $2000, or $2000 to spend at Carters, a Makita 185mm circular saw, a Makita 14.4 volt drill driver and Department of Building and Housing merchandise.

The finals are in Wellington on October 29.