Apprentice alert: Entries open for Northland builders' challenge

Apprentice Matt Hatchard showing the skills that saw him take first place in the 2018 Whangārei contest.

Northland carpentry apprentices are invited to join their nationwide counterparts in a challenge to demonstrate their skills.

The 2019 NZCB Apprentice Challenge, in association with ITM, will be held in 18 regions across the country on Saturday, April 6, and is open to apprentices employed by current NZCB builders or enrolled with Industry Training Association Building (ITAB).

Whangārei will be the only Northland location hosting a NZCB Apprentice Challenge.

All apprentices who take part in the regional Apprentice Challenges will receive a prize pack. Further prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place-getters, and the regional winner will go on to the national final in Christchurch in June.

There they will compete for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $50,000 worth of prizes in total.

A week before the regional Apprentice Challenge events, competitors will be advised of the project they will build, and have eight hours to complete it on the day.

They will be provided with durable, trade-quality timber and materials, and their structures must meet minimum safety standards.

Apprentices' final projects will be scored by a panel of experienced builders and industry educators, assessing a range of building elements including craftsmanship, assembly, ability to work to a detailed plan, safe working technique and time management.

Enter by visiting https://apprenticechallenge.nz/how-to-get-involved/ and filling out the entry form. Entries must be received by March 25.