Hawke’s Bay carpentry apprentice William Harkness, 22, from Redmond Builders & Construction and trained through the BCITO, has been named Registered Master Builders Carters 2013 Apprentice of the Year, following a gruelling six-hour practical test in Auckland on 11 October, which saw nine national finalists each build a children’s playhouse for charity.

Jonathan Yorke, 22, from Palmerston North, employed by Arnott &Arnott in Bulls and trained through the BCITO, came second, while Andrew Higgins, 24, employed by Dusty Builders in Nelson and trained through ITAB, was third.

The competition also saw the first female finalist compete, Kate Ross of Auckland, who is employed by CG Low Building.

Assessed by a panel of four judges, the finalists had each won their regional title before competing in the national event.

Judge Paul Mitchell, BCITO group manager of support services says 2013 was the first year where the competitors built a structure in an event open to the public.

“This is something each of these finalists can put on their resume. It sets them apart from others when applying for jobs in the future.
“This is also the first year we have had a female contestant, which is great. We are always trying to encourage more women into the industry so it’s a really great thing to have a female finalist this year.”

Registered Master Builders chief executive Warwick Quinn said he was thrilled to see young people continually stepping up to take part in the Apprentice of the Year competition.

“It is a pleasure to support the 100 carpentry apprentices who have taken part in the competition this year, and the nine people in particular who have done themselves proud by making it through to the national competition, proving themselves as our construction industry’s future leaders.”

The finalists in the Registered Master Builders Carters 2013 Apprentice of the Year, were:
Andrew Higgins from Nelson, employed by Dusty Builders Ltd and trained through the NMIT. Playhouse donated to Vibe.
Ben Mitchell from Wellington, employed by Scotty’s Construction 2002 Ltd and trained through the BCITO. Playhouse donated to Fountain of Knowledge Trust.
Eugene Sparnon from Kumeu, employed by Architectural EdgeLtd and trained through the BCITO. Playhouse donated to Motutapu Outdoor Education Trust.
Jonathan Yorke from Palmerston North, employed by Arnott & Arnottand trained through the BCITO. Playhouse donated to Wilson Home Trust.
Kate Ross from Herne Bay, employed by CG Low Building Ltd and trained through the BCITO. Playhouse donated to Kidz Social Services Charitable Trust.
Mark Bell from Hamilton, employed by Lobell Construction and trained through the BCITO. Playhouse donated to Anglican Trust for Women and Children.
Micheal Rochford from Christchurch, employed by DJ Hewitt Builders Ltd and trained through the BCITO. Playhouse donated to Greenlane and National Women’s Hospital Creche Incorporated.
Peter O’Sullivan from Dunedin, employed by Lund Construction and trained through the BCITO. Playhouse donated to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren NZ.
William Harkness from Havelock North, employed by Redmond Builders and Construction and trained through the BCITO. Playhouse donated to ChoiceKidsCARES.

More information about the competition is available at apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz