| 81 T T Sue Russell Nurturing talent proves a winning formula M Jones Construction, now in its seventh year, specialises in residential renovations and alterations. M Jones Construction BUILDING Marton based M Jones Construction is celebrating the success of its young apprentice, Jack Stantiall, who was named runner up at the 2025 Central North Island Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year Awards, an achievement that reflects both Jack’s commitment to the trade and the company’s strong focus on hands on training. For company owner Mark Jones, seeing Jack’s success was a full circle moment. Mark himself won the regional title 12 years ago and says it’s been rewarding to pass on that same foundation of quality craftsmanship and work ethic. “Jack’s a really motivated character,” Mark says. “We’re a small company, so he’s had a lot of one-on-one time and learned every part of the process. You can teach the skills, but you can’t teach attitude, and his has been spot on since day one.” Jack joined M Jones Construction through the Gateway Programme at Rangitīkei College, a partnership that Mark values highly. “We’ve got a great relationship with the school,” he says. “We try to take young guys through the process and give them a chance to see if the building industry is for them or not.” Jack first approached Mark as a keen 15-year-old, asking for the chance to help out over the school holidays, unpaid, just to get experience. That drive carried through his apprenticeship with BCITO, where he showed outstanding project knowledge, communication, and workmanship, earning high praise from competition judges. His competition project, a comprehensive renovation of a villa, showcased both modern craftsmanship and traditional detailing. “It was a big job with everything from foundations to fine finishing,” Mark says. “Jack rebuilt old-style features, finials, wainscoting, and trims. They were brand new but looked like they had been there for a hundred years.” Jack’s performance impressed the judging panel, and his professionalism at just 20 years old set him apart. The award ceremony, held in Palmerston North, was a proud moment for the small-town team. M Jones Construction, now in its seventh year, operates mainly around Marton, with projects extending to Levin and Taupō. The company’s reputation for craftsmanship and integrity has meant it’s never had to advertise for work. “Marton’s a close community,” Mark says. “We’ve built everything through word of mouth, and that’s something I’m really proud of.” The team specialises in residential renovations and alterations, particularly the kind of work where, as Mark puts it, “you wouldn’t even know we’d been there.” “We love those challenging jobs where we can add 100 square metres to a house and make it look like it’s always been part of the original,” he says. “We do everything ourselves, from foundations and concrete to roofing and finishing, which gives our apprentices a complete understanding of how a build comes together.” With Jack now fully qualified, Mark plans to continue offering opportunities for new apprentices through the Gateway Programme. “It’s how I got my start, and it’s how Jack got his,” he says. “Giving young people a pathway into building is one of the best things we can do for our community.” As for Jack, his future in the trade looks bright, built on hard work, skill, and a solid start with a company that values both. 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