Scholarship boost for designers

Even though they’re separated by the Cook Straight, a passion for design unites two PlaceMakers Apprentice Crew Branching Out Scholarship winners

Every year PlaceMakers invests in up-and-coming builders through its PlaceMakers Apprentice Crew (PAC) programme. Whether it’s delivering prizes as part of its 20  Days of PAC-mas, or recognising on-the-job learning through Apprentice of the Month winners, PAC keeps giving back to the apprentice community.

The Branching Out Scholarship, which began in 2018 as an evolution of PASS (PlaceMakers Apprentice Scholarship Scheme), is another stalwart in PAC’s avenue of support. This year, it contributed $1,236 each towards the further education costs of two lucky winners. Applications are open to graduates who achieved their National Certificate (Level 4) and who are currently PAC members, and must remain PAC members when undertaking the study.

“We want to help young tradies develop new skills as they move past apprenticeship and into the workforce. On-the-job learning is important, but there are still opportunities for relevant structured studies that we’d like to encourage,” says Trade Engagement Manager Andrea Albertyn.

Building bridges between design and construction

Scholarship winner Jayson Su (pictured above), who is based in Wellington, has just begun a Master of Architecture and says he’d love to use it to work on bridging gaps in the industry.

“If we can create a more seamless process between architect and builder, we can drastically change the building industry. This may include reassessing and restructuring the conventional system or utilising technology to develop a builder-friendly BIM software.”

After completing his Bachelor of Architectural Science, Jayson began a building apprenticeship. He says when he got on the tools, he spotted a pain point for the industry.

“It didn’t take long to notice the loss of translation between the builder and the designer. I want to improve my ability to read and understand plans and detail – what better way to do this than learning to produce the plans themselves?”

Jayson isn’t thinking small. Not content to work on site, the Branching Out awardee wants to oversee the whole process from start to finish.

“My goal is to own and operate a design and build company and, like my recently acquired Level 4 National Certificate, a Masters in Architecture is essential in achieving this goal.”

Broadening horizons and finding opportunity 

Second scholarship recipient Andrew Hopley, who works in Akaroa, wants to use the award to fund a Detailed Design 1 course.

“I’m a qualified carpenter, but I’m also interested in other sides of building. I can see endless opportunities within the industry, and that’s why I want to pursue a qualification in the design area of the trade while still working on site.

“Gaining a design qualification would open up some exciting areas and would enhance what I can bring to a worksite.”

Andrew says he doesn’t have a set plan for his future, but can see the scholarship opening doors that could lead to something exciting.

“I want to broaden my horizons by doing the course. I like reading plans and find it interesting so I figured I would do this course and see where it takes me. If I like it, I could go even further and do a BA in Architecture.”

Andrew currently works for a construction firm and says he has no ambition to become a boss just yet, even if further study could lead him down that path.

“I’m happy for now, but who knows where this qualification will take me – thanks to the Branching Out Scholarship.”