Apprentice of the Month – MAY

With extreme weather causing havoc around Tauranga, May’s Apprentice of the Month ensured his site met a looming inspection deadline, despite being in the middle of a serious weather event

Reid O’Brien, a first-year apprentice from Tauranga, faced off against Cyclone Fili – and won!

With extreme winds and heavy rain wreaking havoc on sites around the region, Reid did what had to be done to make sure work could continue through the weather.

An inspection was due, and Reid faced a race against time to ensure everything was ready for it. Luckily for his employer, Reid is made of tough stuff.

“I chucked on some wet weather gear and put up a Coleman gazebo,” he chuckles. “I also made sure all the electrical leads were well away from the rain and kept working. No rainy day is too rainy to stop work around here!”

Reid may have been uncomfortable, but he says he learned to embrace the discomfort. if it means getting work done on time and to a high standard.

“The experience taught me that, rain or shine, you have to keep pushing forward, even if it means getting a bit wet and outside your comfort zone.”

He makes it sound routine, but Apprentice of the Month judges reckon he went above and beyond. That’s why Reid has been crowned as May’s winner and scored a $200 Prezzy card.