The region’s best apprentice builders had their skills assessed "down to the last millimetre" in a gruelling eight-hour challenge at the weekend.
On Saturday, eight building apprentices from across Otago battled it out for the annual New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge at ITM Dunedin, and were tasked with constructing a park bench.
Certified Builders Otago president Sacha Gray said it was as much about the process as it was the finished product.
"It’s exciting, actually. The people that have put in the time the week leading up to it has been neat.
"Preparation is 90% of it. I’m always impressed; I don’t think I would have had the guts to put myself out there like these ones have at the start of their careers.
"It’s the cream of the crop, and they’re competing for a national title."
The final builds would be assessed "down to the last millimetre", he said.
To decide the winner, a judging panel of building practitioners and industry educators will assess each apprentice’s technical skills and technique, the quality of their workmanship, precision of measuring and cutting, assembly and ability to work to a detailed plan - all while working against the clock.
"We want to make these young people the best they can be, because these are our future builders."
"There’s a misconception among some people that you default to a trade if you can’t do anything else.
"What we’re saying is that these people are the best of the best, and they’ll be running important businesses and building our houses."
The Otago event was one of 20 regional NZCB Apprentice Challenges being held around the country.
The winner of the Otago competition, Roy Devereux, will compete in the national NZCB Apprentice Challenge in Wellington on June 21 and 22.
The final products will be auctioned online with proceeds going to the NZCB Apprentice Trust.
The trust financially supports Apprentice Network members by providing access to scholarships and grants.
