116 | Fostering apprentices a focus for Palmy builder Ready to go: from left, BJ Craig, Kalym Smith and Josiah Greig (2024 Manawatu NZCB Apprenticeship Challenge Winner) Craig Homes Developments T T Sue Russell BUILDING Benjamin Craig, known as BJ, of Palmerston North-based Craig Homes Developments says he has deliberately maintained the company at the size it is, since Business Central last spoke with him a year or so ago. “There’s no need for me to grow the team as we have plenty of work on to keep us all engaged and that’s a great place to be, considering the industry is experiencing a bit of a downturn,” BJ says. He firmly believes that employing young people to gain building skills through apprenticeships has a far-reaching impact for them in later years, something BJ is proud to have contributed to. “It’s normal for those who qualify to think about broadening their horizons, spending time overseas, or working in other building companies to gain further experience. I think that’s the great thing about learning a trade. It provides a person with opportunities to get and experience new things,” BJ says. For BJ, working for five different companies during his 20-plus-year building career has added to his own skill-set and broadening as a builder, to the point where he decided to step out on his own. Having a good steady level of work, and completing one project as another has got underway, he says there’s sufficient ongoing work in Palmerston North, to mean he can stay relatively local. At this year’s Apprentice Challenge, held in April, Josiah Greig was announced Regional Winner, meaning he represented Manawatu at the national event, part of the annual Certified Builders conference held in June in Wellington. “Josiah has really risen a lot through his apprenticeship. He managed a full build on his own during the course of last year and is really developing as a builder.” In the regional contest, Josiah, along with other apprentices had eight hours to build an outdoor picnic table. The event was held at Ucol in Palmerston Notrth and the local ITM store sponsored the competition. BJ says that to the untrained eye, having eight hours to complete a table would seem relatively easy to achieve. Competitors were given a broad outline of a plan for the table a week before the event, but it certainly wasn’t a detailed plan to build from. “One of the hardest things is that through the eight hours, there’s no communication with anyone, so apprentices have to figure everything out themselves and to always manage time really well. Fortunately, Josiah planned his building process really well and had enough time to check through everything.” This was an aspect of his performance that BJ was particularly impressed with, understanding that as an experienced builder one of the skills you learn is to manage time. “But for apprentices, they don’t have a lot of years to draw on to help support their decision making.” Another aspect of leading a building team is that BJ can move apprentices around to experience different types of builds and broaden their building abilities as a result. He is also a firm believer in the Certified Builders organisation, with the annual conference extending over three days. “The best part for Josiah is that as a winner, he’s there at the conference the entire time and will compete in a variety of different challenges.” What’s really interesting too, as BJ explains, is that from the moment an apprentice receives an email saying he has won his region, the organisation says that he or she is being tested from that point in time. “Even things like their efficiency with responding to emails is considered by the judging panel. They also look at things like punctuality, knowledge on the building code and have to provide a detailed brief on three or four projects, so it’s very thorough.” BJ says though, regardless of where Josiah is placed in the national event, the fact that he is participating will provide him with rich meaningful experiences to take away. “The fact that apprentices are mixing and mingling with a whole range of building-sector people gives them much food for thought as to future options they may consider for themselves.” “Josiah has really risen a lot through his apprenticeship. He managed a full build on his own during the course of last year and is really developing as a builder.” Proud to be the electricians for Craig Homes Developments palmerston.north.central@laserelectrical.co.nz | www.laserelectrical.co.nz 20 Dahlia Street, Palmerston North | Ph: 06 3552944 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
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