Hamilton builder wins apprentice of year title

Curtis Taukiri (left) and his employer Tau Haimona from Lunix Homes. Photo / Stephen Barker

Curtis Taukiri, 22, of Hamilton has been named the Waikato Registered Master Builders Carters 2018 Apprentice of the Year.

Taukiri, who finished his apprenticeship last month, impressed the judges with his outstanding building knowledge.

"Curtis was a clear winner of the competition, topping all four of the entry components — the written assessment, practical assessment, interview with the judges, and the site visit," a statement from the judges said.

"He has an exceptionally bright future ahead of him and will be an asset to the building industry."

For first place Taukiri was awarded a range of products and tools, $2000 to spend at Carters, and a spot on an Outward Bound Course.

Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly said the competition showcases a rewarding career in the trades, an industry currently facing a skills shortage.

"Apprenticeships offer the chance to earn as you learn and be a part of an industry with strong job prospects and opportunities for growth.

"We applaud the commitment and determination from all the apprentices and look forward to seeing their skills at the national competition in November as they make their mark on the industry," Kelly said.

For Taukiri it all started in late 2014, when he was offered an apprenticeship after working as a labourer.

Taukiri's favourite part of the job is having a sense of pride seeing the finished product and "giving our customers something to enjoy".

For now, Taukiri hopes to continue to gain more knowledge from the people around him, and eventually start a business.

"I want to start a business to create opportunities for apprentices and help introduce them into the trade as well."

Taukiri will compete against the winners from the other nine regions at the national competition on November 9 at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds. It is open to the public.