Celebrating over two decades of excellence among carpentry apprentices, Registered Master Builders, in partnership with CARTERS, is proud to announce the top three apprentices for the Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau region.

Scott Davies from Papamoa Beach has been named the Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau 2024 Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year.

Scott was trained through BCITO and is employed by Gudsell Designer Homes.

In second place was Ben McGee-Thomas from Arataki, Tauranga. Ben is employed by Genxhomes BOP and trained through BCITO.

Third place was awarded to Daniel Gibson from Judea, Tauranga who is also employed by Gudsell Designer Homes and trained through BCITO.

Now in its 21st year, the Apprentice of the Year competition recognises excellence among carpentry apprentices and raises awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry.

The competition assesses the project management, business presentation, and practical skills of future leaders in the sector.

For the regional competition, each apprentice had to submit details of a building project they are working on and participate in a two-hour practical challenge, constructing a bench seat.

The top 10 participants from each region then advanced to an interview stage with a judging panel and an onsite visit to discuss their building project in detail.

The top apprentice from each region will now go head-to-head and compete in the national competition.

This includes a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel and an additional six-hour practical skills test.

The national competition will take place on 7 - 8 November in Auckland at CONZTRUCT.

For more information about the competition, visit apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz

JUDGES' COMMENTS

1st Place – Scott Davies (Gudsell Designer Homes):

"Scott excelled in the competition with his natural leadership skills and friendly, engaging demeanour.

"His preparation was evident throughout, and he demonstrated a profound understanding of the building process.

"During his interview and site visit, Scott showcased an impressive knowledge base, answering questions with confidence and clarity.

"His site induction was superb, highlighting his commitment to health and safety.

"Scott's ability to engage with the judges left a lasting impression, marking him as a standout performer.

"He has huge potential as a future leader in the industry. Congratulations, Scott."

2nd Place – Ben McGee-Thomas (Genxhomes BOP):

"Ben stood out as an apprentice who takes immense pride in his work and job, which was fantastic to witness.

"He is knowledgeable but always eager to learn more to further his understanding.

"Ben’s tools were kept in excellent 2 condition, reflecting his dedication to maintaining high standards.

"He followed plans meticulously, demonstrating his ability to accurately interpret and execute project requirements.

"Ben's passion for his work and commitment to continuous learning were evident throughout the competition, making him a deserving second-place winner. Great job, Ben."

3rd Place - Daniel Gibson (Gudsell Designer Homes):

"Daniel demonstrated quiet confidence throughout the competition and performed admirably.

"He had a good understanding of his tasks and materials used on site, answering questions effectively and engagingly during his interview.

"Daniel kept his project neat and tidy, and his knowledge and thoughtful responses showcased his depth of understanding and commitment to the trade. Well done, Daniel."