Hat-trick of wins for Tauranga carpentry apprentices

Sam Pulis, 23, is the 2018 Bay of Plenty Central Plateua Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year . Photo / Supplied

Three Tauranga carpenters have taken out first, second and third places at a prestigious 2018 regional carpentry competition

Sam Pulis, 23, who is employed by Gudsell Designer Homes Limited, is the 2018 Bay of Plenty Central Plateau Registered Master Builders Carters' Apprentice of the Year.

He beat out nine other contestants to take out the regional title, which was announced at an awards ceremony at the Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club on Friday.

Second place went to Cameron Diack, 22, employed by Jones Builders Limited, and Joshua Hill, 19, who works for Federation Homes, was third.

Pulis, who was runner-up last year, said it always felt like he had unfinished business.

Having fully qualified as a builder at the end of last year, he was still eligible to compete for the title this year, so decided to have "another crack".

"I really didn't know how I was tracking during the competition compared to the other contestants so it still felt like a great surprise when the results were announced," he said.

"It's quite satisfying to know all my hard work paid off, and I couldn't be happier, particularly knowing I now get the chance to compete for the national title."

Pulis trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.

The competition judges said Pulis had a high level of industry knowledge and skills at this stage of his career.

"In the past year, Sam has set goals to gain knowledge and experience to take out the win in 2018. He has taken his building knowledge and project leadership to another level.

"Sam's determination to succeed in everything he does is clear and evident. Knowledge, ability and drive have set him up for a bright future. We congratulate him on his success."

Pulis will compete against the other regional winners at the national competition in Auckland on November 9.