Helping Tom learn the drills

One Wanganui building apprentice has a shiny new addition to his tool-box thanks to the generosity of retired builder Tom Duncan.

Stefan Rutter, an apprentice with Jamie O'Leary Builders, last week received a 204-piece drill bit set from Mr Duncan and his five fellow apprentices received Mitre 10 gift vouchers.

Mr Duncan and his wife Val donated the drill-bit set and gift vouchers to the O'Leary apprentices in recognition of their success in passing their exams.

"I wanted to give the younger ones some encouragement and something to work towards," Mr Duncan said.

Mrs Duncan said it was important to celebrate the apprentices' achievements.

"They're the future of the building industry, and hopefully they will one day pass their experience and knowledge on to others."

Mr Duncan spent his entire career working with wood. He began his apprenticeship at age 16 with Cuthbertson & Lee [now Wanganui Furnishers].

Jamie O'Leary said all six apprentices had done well and it had been hard to choose which one would receive the drill-bit set.

He said it was "fantastic" that Mr and Mrs Duncan had chosen to give his apprentices some recognition.

"[The drill-bit set] is something that your average apprentice would never be able to afford.

"It's very generous of them."
 
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