CONCRETE RECOGNITION

Entries open for 2019 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year

Concrete apprentices from around New Zealand are encouraged to showcase their abilities and desire by entering the 2019 Concrete Industry Apprentice of The Year award.

Entries are now open, and apprentices can be in to win a share of around $10,000 in prizes, as well as the sought-after title of 2019 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year.

Concrete New Zealand (NZ) Chief Executive Rob Gaimster believes the rationale for establishing the award in 2017 remains relevant – primarily the huge need for skilled concrete workers, as well as ensuring that those thinking about a career in construction are aware of the rewards on offer through the concrete industry.

“Within the construction sector, our industry has always found it difficult to attract and hold on to qualified workers. Over recent years, this has become more of an issue with activity across residential, commercial and civil areas remaining buoyant and therefore offering prospective workers plenty of options.”

“The Apprentice of the Year award has a long and respected history of recognising exemplary young people in trade training. So, to continue to offer a concrete version as an incentive for those looking to work with concrete, just makes sense,” says Rob.

“The award is also a great way to acknowledge excellence and kick-start an apprentice’s career – it’s a chance to set goals and prove competence, as well as interact with other concrete industry professionals.”

“Going to the effort of completing an entry so that you can be compared against your peers sends a clear signal of commitment. Add to that the possibility of being rewarded with the top honour and right to call yourself the 2019 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year, is a fantastic opportunity.”

The award is open to all those enrolled in, or who have recently completed, one of the following Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) concrete based National Certificates:

• Precast Concrete (Level 3)
• Concrete Production (Level 3)
• Product Manufacture: Pipe (Level 3)
• Product Manufacture: Masonry Product (Level 3)
• Construction: Sawing & Drilling (Level 3)
• Construction: Placing & Finishing (Level 3)
• Concrete Construction (Level 4)

“The Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award is built on the belief that dedication and hard-work leads to success, that apprentices are professionals in the making, and that the concrete industry offers a range of exciting options for those considering construction,” concludes Rob.

Entry details can be found on the Concrete NZ website – www.concretenz.org.nz

Concrete apprentices, their employers and assessors must all complete an entry form.

Entries close Friday, 6 September 2019.

The Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year Award is made possible thanks to principal sponsors, the BCITO and Concrete NZ, and will be presented at the Concrete NZ Conference formal dinner on 11 October 2019 in Dunedin.