Apprentice builder ‘chuffed’ with award

Mangawhai apprentice builder Andrew Christie says he is ‘pretty chuffed’ with his third place in the 2017 Northern area Apprentice of the Year awards.

The results were announced at an awards evening on August 25 at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Auckland.

The 26-year-old was already working as a builder but felt he ‘was not really going anywhere’ when he secured his current position through a meeting at a social function.

Working for Corfield Holdings Limited contracted to The House Company operating from Warkworth, Andrew lives at Mangawhai but works mainly around the Silverdale to Warkworth area.

The competition judging process involved a written project submission followed by an interview with a regional judging panel for the top ten apprentices in each region. Judges then visit the apprentices on site to discuss their project and the personal contribution made to it.

“I work with a great team, and in an area where there is lots happening in terms of quality homes and with the latest technology and products,” said Andrew. “Plus working in this area I get to surf plenty when I’m not working.”

He expects one more favourable site visit and checking of his bookwork and his apprenticeship will be complete.

The Northern Apprentice of the Year was won by Seth Foote from Warkworth, with second place going to Sam Armstrong from Bayview.

Registered Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly says the competition highlights the importance of apprenticeships as part of the wider need for industry-wide transformation during New Zealand’s biggest ever building boom.

RECOGNITION: From left, Andrew Christie, Sam Armstrong and Seth Foote nailed the top placings at the Northern area Apprentice of the Year awards.