Taylor Forrest was the top Rotorua apprentice at the 16th annual New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge regional heat on Saturday.
Taylor Forrest was the top Rotorua apprentice at the 16th annual New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge regional heat on Saturday.
A Rotorua apprentice has constructed a winning performance at the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge regional heat.
Taylor Forrest secured the victory at the 16th annual competition on Saturday.
The 24-year-old Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) apprentice with Glencoe Construction will now compete at the national finalin Auckland on June 5 and 6.
Apprentices were given eight hours to build a pātaka, or community sharing cupboard.
Employers, colleagues and family watched the competition at Mitre 10 Mega Rotorua.
Judges assessed their carpentry skills, including joint accuracy, material efficiency and workmanship, as well as their ability to follow a detailed plan and apply safe working techniques.
It was Forrest’s second time qualifying for the national final after earning a spot last year.
The weekend was “a reminder that the industry has a bright future and that we must keep investing in our apprentices”, Fleming said.
Apprentices showed “real potential to lead the industry as trade-qualified, certified builders”.
BCITO chief executive Jason Hungerford, an event partner, said employers, training advisors, and whānau put “time and resources” into developing the next generation of tradespeople.
Taylor Forrest has won the Rotorua heat of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge for the second time. Photo / Supplied
The challenge reflected their “dedication”, Hungerford said.
Hungerford was “excited” to see how participants would use their sharpened skills to stand out in the industry.
Mitre 10 Head of Trade Mark Moffitt said the event was a “great way to engage with the builders of the future”. Mitre 10 and Makita sponsored prizes for the event.
Forrest took home a $1000 prize package courtesy of Mitre 10 Trade and Makita.
The national final will be held at the NZCB annual conference. Finalists will compete in a one-hour build and present to hundreds of industry leaders.
The victor wins a $10,000 prize package and the title of the country’s best apprentice.
Annabel Reid is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post, based in Rotorua. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, she has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canterbury.
