Queenstown carpentry apprentice Josh Atkins (25) was last night named the Southern Registered Master Builders Carters 2017 Apprentice of the Year.
Mr Atkins trained through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation and is employed by Bayshore Builders.
Judges said they were impressed with Mr Atkins’ detailed knowledge of the building industry.‘‘Josh’s attitude to keep learning all he can, including sustainable and eco building and alternative methods of construction, is a big positive for the industry,’’ the judges said.
Mr Atkins won products and tools, $2000 to spend at Carters and a place on an Outward Bound course.
Boyd Van Leeuwen (19), also from Queenstown, won second prize. He is employed by Trinity QT Construction.
Third place was awarded to Brock Vuleta (20), from Wanaka, who is employed by The Breen Construction Company.
The results were announced at a function in Gore last night. Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly said the competition highlighted the importance of apprenticeships as part of the wider need for industry-wide transformation during New Zealand’s biggest building boom.
‘‘Developing and training our workforce is a crucial part of ensuring we meet our industry’s growing needs.
‘‘Apprenticeships play an important role in ensuring the industry can build through the troughs and mitigate the skill shortages currently facing the building and construction industry.’’
