| 103 BUILDING Nailing It T T Ange Davidson Fostering the next generation of builders The awards recognise excellence among carpentry apprentices while raising awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry. • Scaffolding • Enclosures • Safety Nets 100%Locally Owned 0800 4 SCAFIT (0800 4 722 348) www.scafit.co.nz • Mobiles • Fencing • Formwork Leading Designers in new homes, additions and alterations Proudly supporting Nailing It Homes www.nestdesign.co.nz | 06 323 3484 | info@nestdesign.co.nz Fostering the next generation of builders through apprenticeships has been a major focus for Stewart Buchanan, the managing director of Nailing It in Palmerston North. Presently employing six apprentices, Stewart actively encourages them to enter the Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition to help hone their skills and to push them out of their comfort zones. With several regional winners under his tuition, apprentice Jarred Badham took home both the Regional and National awards in 2021. “The competition can be quite stressful, and it requires a level of confidence and lots of extra work after hours. “Jarred joined our company with skills from another trade and a bit of life experience so was up for the challenge. He walked away with some pretty decent prizes including a new Nissan Navara ute to use for a year thanks to CARTERS,” says Stewart. The awards recognise excellence among carpentry apprentices while raising awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry. Apprentices are tested on project management, business and presentation skills as well as practical skills. Employers are also recognised for their support in growing New Zealand’s construction industry. The awards showcase what a great employer looks like and the benefits of mentoring the sector’s emerging talent. Jarred and Stewart have continued their working relationship and established a company called Heartwood Homes producing new homes to on-sell. “Our apprentices are signed up with and have their theory and practical tasks assessed through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO). It generally takes an apprentice three to four years to become qualified. It’s a great hands-on way to learn a trade,” Stewart says. BCITO offers apprenticeship training to people who are already working in a trade with an employer who agrees to train them, or they can start directly from school. Besides a current driver licence, there are no other entry requirements for an apprenticeship although a pre-trade qualification can be helpful. BCITO take care of the paperwork once an apprenticeship is agreed upon. Employers can get financial support through the Apprenticeship Boost scheme to retain existing apprentices and to take on new ones. The scheme helps strengthen businesses and helps people into a job. BCITO can also match a suitable apprentice to your business. Apprentices either start on a training or minimum wage and work their way up as they grow their qualifications and experience. During the post Covid building boom, Stewart says he couldn’t get enough builders on site and the government provided incentives for employers and employees to take on apprentices or enter apprenticeships. He now has a good mix of apprentices and qualified builders to complete existing contracts and take on more work leading into the 2024. Nailing It Ltd largely build new homes in the wider Manawatu/ Rangitikei area but also have completed and are capable of renovations, rural, light commercial and landscaping work. Stewart has encouraged a number of apprentices to enter the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year awards and has had two regional winners and one national winner. “I like to push them along in life as well as give them some financial advice. Entering the competition is a great way to build confidence and extend their skillset. It’s very rewarding to see them grow from knowing very little about building and construction to becoming qualified and even going on to renovate or build their own homes.” “Our apprentices are signed up with, and have their theory and practical tasks assessed through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.”
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