APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH

September

After taking over a renovation site from the previous foreman, second-year Wellington apprentice Riki Corley discovered an external wall was out of alignment, and took the right course of action to remedy the issue

When Riki read the plans, he noticed an external wall was 40mm out of line and would therefore require a step — not the best look!

The previous foreman had said the step would be okay, but Riki had reservations so consulted with the project manager and the boss onsite. Riki suggested strapping a 45mm joist outside of the existing joist and shifting the wall over to eliminate the step and make it one continuous flow.

Both the boss and project manager agreed it was the right course of action, so they shifted the wall and re-did the birdsmouths, CPC fixings, etc.

Thanks to Riki identifying the issue during the framing stage, it only took a couple hours to remedy and the outcome will be a seamless transition of GIB plasterboard through to the existing house.

The judges were impressed by Riki’s resolve — he refused to take the easiest route, as the result would not achieve the quality he and the customer wanted. Instead, he put in the extra effort to find a more appropriate and professional solution that also looked clean.

“The challenge stressed the importance of double checking, and the value of discussing plans with the project manager and client to ensure everybody is on the same page as plans change throughout the build,” says Riki.

October

Second-year Christchurch apprentice Andrew Hopley had to carry out a complex task for the first time, while also directing a new apprentice through the process

Faced for the first time with the challenge of tying steel for a retaining wall and drilling starter rods to extend a paved patio, Andrew was also charged with providing guidance to a new apprentice throughout the process.

Using what he had learnt from day class and online, Andrew tackled the task impressively.

Based on his study, he calculated the overlaps, concrete coverage, volumes and other specs to get it done, passing the information on to the new apprentice.

Andrew’s boss was impressed at the quality of work as well as the efficient manner in which it was completed, calling it an “amazing effort with a great result”.

“The outcome was bloody good,” says Andrew. “It taught me to have confidence in what I’ve learnt through study, to use the tools at my disposal, and to listen to others to gauge their thoughts during the process.”

“I think it’s also important to be proud of your accomplishments, as that gives you incentive to work toward each challenge.”

The judges applauded Andrew for demonstrating great composure, applying his knowledge effectively, and being a good leader to achieve the task.