Having provided just what the judges wanted — writing-up one of his projects, completing a two-hour task building a birdhouse and an interview — he was named the regional winner at a function in Havelock North on Friday night.
The judges commented: "Jesse is a well-rounded builder who was able to confidently demonstrate his wide range of skills. He impressed us in all aspects of the competition — from the project submission, through to the site visit."
"Jesse has a very high standard of workmanship and a thorough understanding of the building requirements," they said.
"His ability to work through and solve problems means he will go far in the building industry, and have a great career."
Employer Cameron Hislop, himself once an apprentice, now in the industry 25 years and employing "five guys" including one other apprentice, said Crompton came to him looking for a job.
"I grabbed him," the boss said. "He's good kid."
He's already been in-charge of projects, including that which he wrote-up in his quest for the award, which won him a placed Registered Master Builders two-day national Apprentice of the Year finals in November.
It includes a day-long practical challenge, of which he says: "That will be a bit daunting."
But he should get over it given the busy time he has ahead over the summer.
Another project he has is much closer to home — the house he's building on a section he's subdivided.
The plans go to the council this week and, working on the house at weekends in addition to the day-job during the week, he plans to have the job completed by March next year.
Runner-up in the Hawke's Bay-East Coast competition was 21-year-old Napier man Cole Newport, employed Richard Cole Builders, also a Havelock North operation and which produced last year's regional award winner. Third was Travis Janssen, of Waipukurau firm Baldwin and Co.
