Napier apprentice Dane McCarthy has been named the East Coast Region Registered Master Builders 2010 Apprentice of the Year.
The 21-year-old, who received his award on Friday, will now compete against top carpentry apprentices from around the country at the national Apprentice of the Year finals in Wellington on October 21.
Dane is employed by Hastings' Mackersey Construction and said the apprentices there received a lot of help.
"[Construction manager] Mark Adams has put in a lot of preparation for us apprentices to help us with the work we needed to do," he said.
Dane also plays premier-grade rugby for the Napier Pirates as open side flanker.
He received his award at the event at East Pier Brasserie in Napier, where television personality John "Cocksy" Cocks was the host. Judges said Dane demonstrated industry knowledge and had presented himself well, showing confidence and commitment. Master Builders chief executive Warwick Quinn said the calibre of this year's apprentices highlighted the building sector as a great place to train and work.
"It is pleasing to see so many young, passionate apprentices taking on the challenge of the Apprentice of the Year," he said.
"Having these young folk prepared to step up and push themselves this early in their career bodes well for a strong skills base within our industry in the future."
Dane recommended building as a career option.
"It's a great trade, I love it.
"You're always learning and doing something different each day."
Dane received an Outward Bound leadership course valued at up to $3600 and either a study grant towards the completion of study or postgraduate study in any construction or business course - valued up to $2000 - or a Carters voucher for a substantial purchase of up to $1500 for winning the regional competition.
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