The 31-year-old flooring installer from Alexandra Flooring Xtra was awarded top industry honours on Monday and named the FloorNZ 2021 Apprentice of the Year Supreme Award winner.
When first told he had won the honour, Mr Beck thought it was a scam.
‘‘When I got the email I thought it looked like a scam email. I read it and thought, ‘Is this for real’?’’
It was in fact ‘‘for real’’. Mr Beck was presented with the award, which covers both retail and installation aspects of the industry nationally, at a special ceremony in Alexandra.
‘‘I was blown away, absolutely blown away. It was very special.’’
The flooring industry was often ‘‘underrated within trades’’ but Mr Beck said he enjoyed the physical aspect and the need to have an eye for detail.
‘‘Everyone wants to go out and become a builder, electrician or plumber — but it’s the flooring that turns a box into a home,’’ Mr Beck said.
His employer, Alexandra Flooring Xtra owner Paul Rillstone, said he was ‘‘stoked’’ for Mr Beck.
However, the honours did not stop there. Mr Rillstone was recognised for his contribution and commitment to industry training, receiving the inaugural Wayne Young Employer’s trophy.
The award went to the employer of the Apprentice of the Year, Supreme Award winner.
Mr Rillstone said he, too, was ‘‘blown away’’ to be recognised.
‘‘I shed a tear to be honest. We’re absolutely stoked for Jai and we’re absolutely stoked for ourselves.’’
It was important employers not only trained staff, but also invested in people and the industry, he said.
