Apprentice of the Month

First-year apprentice Daniel Horobin, based in Auckland, says he is the kind of guy who is motivated by learning. After spending several months with one employer, he decided he could learn more by teaming up with a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) and starting his own business

“I asked my previous employer about getting more training, but work was pretty busy and there was no trained or licensed builder available to help out, so I decided that starting my own small company, with an LBP to guide me, was the best way
to ensure I was learning as much as possible,” says Daniel.

“It took a lot of planning and a lot of paperwork to get it all up and running. Once we were established, as a team we had to prove that we were capable of building quality homes and meeting deadlines to secure our first contract, but we did it!”

Four weeks into the build – when Daniel received the Apprentice of the Month honour – frames and trusses were in place, roof hardware was on, the building was wrapped and the team has passed its first building inspection with 100%!

When asked what the experience has taught him, Daniel said to “take a risk”.

“If you don’t feel as though you’re learning at the pace you want to while you’re doing your apprenticeship, say something to the boss – don’t just be comfortable where you are!

In my situation that wasn’t enough, but if you don’t ask you don’t get. If you ask and you still don’t get, then maybe it’s time to look at alternatives.”

Entries were judged based on the nature of the challenge the apprentice faced, the initiative and grit shown to overcome it and the impact, as well as the key learning. PlaceMakers judges said Daniel demonstrated all these attributes – by taking a risk and making sure he was able to reach his full potential!