| 81 BUILDING Craig Homes Development T T Sue Russell One community-minded business Every three months CHD donates blood as part of Team Red, as a way of contributing to the wider community. BJ and Rebecca Craig operate Craig Homes Development, a Palmerston North based residential new builds and renovations business. BJ says there’s plenty of work on, as the region continues to bubble away positively. “There has been a bit of a slow down in the new builds but with the renovations we take on it keeps us productively busy,” he says. When Business Central spoke with BJ, he had three new builds and four renovations on the go at various stages. Along with BJ, who is still actively on the tools, four apprentices complete the building team. Asked how that went in the early days BJ acknowledges it was quite full-on, as the only qualified builder on sites, but things soon settled into a space where he was able to provide opportunities for the team to step out and undertake independent work from time to time. “It’s a case of measuring where they are at, how their confidence is building and then to give them the chance to complete a project, like a deck for instance, on their own. The problem-solving part is really important and you soon see their strengths and areas they need a bit more support in.” Two of the team are nearing completing their apprenticeships. BJ says that in every company he has worked in, there have been apprentices on board for him to help train. It’s an aspect of building he says he really enjoys. BJ completed his apprenticeship with Morgan Builders in Hastings and while working with Colspec Construction in Palmerston North he gained leadership and commercial building experience. “I’ve been very fortunate to have had great support in my early days so its good to be in a position now to help the next generation of builders.” Apprentice Josiah Greig was awarded regional winner in the Certified Builders Apprentice competition, with fellow apprentice Kalym Smith placed second, achievements BJ is very proud of. By winning the event Josiah then had the opportunity to attend the Certified Builders conference in Christchurch, an enriching experience for the young builder. Along with Josiah and Kalym apprentice Dale Roberts and recent recruit Blake Janes completes the team. Asked to comment on the quality of the apprentice pathway, BJ says, the three monthly or so visits by the BCITO assessor, coupled with his own day to day supervision and support creates a solid training experience. “Technology has come into play a lot, with the guys being able to take photos and upload them into their training portal. It works well, given the site visits are spaced apart. There are grades of achievement too which enable the apprentice to see where their strengths are and the areas they need more experience in. It’s more of a progression rather than a pass/fail process.” BJ says he employs staff based on attitude; if they want to learn and want to work then they are ‘teachable’. Getting involved early with clients’ projects is another important element contributing to the company’s success.“I’m conscious that an issue for clients is the amount of time a project takes and it really helps if I can be involved, as the builder, very early on.” BJ is a great supporter of Certified Builders and believes the organisation plays an important role in supporting and promoting the building trades. There is also a valuable amount of information online that members can tap into. Every three months CHD donates blood as part of Team Red, as a way of contributing to the wider community. “We think it is really important to focus on things outside ourselves and our work and this is one way to do this.”BJ says he is happy developing the current team he has and continually increasing the quality of their work. He is also very aware that contibuting to the company’s success is the quality of the subtradees he works with. “We regularly engage the same tradespeople. Once you start forming relationships it works both ways. They support my business and we support them.” Proudly Supporting Craig Homes Development Interior & Exterior | New builds Light commercial | Renovations | Wallpapering KURT DUKER PAINTER & DECORATOR LTD 0272205988 kurt_duker@yahoo.co.nz 027 311 7488 Palmerston North office@currentelectrical.nz www.currentelectrical.nz With over 120 years combined experience, we have the solutions to all of your Plumbing, Gas and Drainage needs. Proudly supporting Craig Homes Development www.qualityplumbingsolutions.co.nz 06 354 0880 | o ice@qualityplumbingsolutions.co.nz First by name, First by choice BERNIE WALSH ALUMINIUM, 11 MILLER ST, DANNEVIRKE. PH: 0800 347 789 Proud to supply the aluminium joinery for Craig Homes Development • FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS • REPLACEMENT JOINERY • METRO SERIES • THERMAL HEART • KLIMA PVC SERIES • ARCHITECTURAL SERIES
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