Tom Ferguson wins apprentice challenge

Tom Ferguson relaxing on his newly constructed table and bench seat after a hard fought apprentice challenge.

"I can send him out to any job, to speak to any client, and I know he will do a good job, and represent himself and our company well."

Adan Larsen, of Adan Larsen Builders, has plenty of confidence in his apprentice, Tom Ferguson, and it paid off last month when Tom won the regional section of the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge.

With the win under his belt, Tom is now heading off to the national competition at the end of this month, and Adan is confident Tom will do well at this event as well.

"The national final is focused not just on skill, but also on the ability to present yourself well in an interview. Tom has great skills when it comes to building and he is also someone I am happy sending to talk to clients or potential clients, so I feel he has that side of it sorted as well."

Tom says it is the public speaking part that makes him most nervous, but he is looking forward to the challenge.

"Being up against your peers is a great experience, and I feel I am going to be able to represent Taranaki well."

Tom is in his fourth year of his apprenticeship with Adan and says he can't imagine working in a different career.

"I've always wanted to work in this industry, I like being outside, working with my hands as well as my brain."

The best part of the job, says Tom, "is seeing the finished product and seeing a client so happy with what you have achieved for them".

In the regional competition, Tom had to construct a high-spec outdoor table and bench seats in an eight-hour time frame. After the first couple of hours, Tom says he was confident he had a good chance at winning.

"Looking around at the other competitors, I could see I was in the lead, but stayed focused and didn't let myself stop concentrating."

Tom says he is pleased he will have support when he goes to the nationals, as Adan will be attending in his role as regional president of the NZCB.

"Although that could go two ways I suppose. He will see any mistakes I make as well!"
Adan says he isn't expecting to see mistakes from his apprentice.

"Tom is a very talented member of our team, and I am quietly confident he will represent himself well on the day."