114 | BUILDING Warren Adolph Homes UNIQUETILINGNZ Professional tiling installation services QUALITY SERVICE FREE QUOTES AND MEASURES GEORGE 021 147 1061 george@uniquetiling.nz www.uniquetiling.nz Proud to supportWarrenAdolphHomes Supplying high performance uPVC windows for warmer, drier, healthier homes. Gary Walden | 027 289 9724 | gary@wmwg.co.nz | wmwindowsandglass.co.nz T T Anne Boswell Rising to the challenge Auckland’s Warren Adolph Homes has completed a diverse portfolio of projects. When Ervis Kaca claimed first place in the 2026 NZCB Apprentice Challenge regional heats for Auckland/ Northwest, it was the culmination of years of determination, resilience and an unwavering commitment to succeed. As an apprentice at Auckland’s Warren Adolph Homes, Ervis’s eventual victory in the prestigious competition was inevitable, according to those who know his story. Originally from Albania, Ervis faced a challenging childhood before eventually moving to the United Kingdom in search of better opportunities. It was there that he met his Kiwi wife, and together they made the decision to build a life in New Zealand – a journey that has shaped the person he is today. “The hunger to succeed is a big part of why Ervis is as successful as he is,” Warren Adolph Homes director Andrew Clark says. After beginning his apprenticeship elsewhere, Ervis suffered a broken arm and found himself looking for a fresh opportunity. Warren Adolph Homes brought him on board around two and a half years ago, and Andrew says it quickly became apparent they had found someone special. “We were looking for someone that had a general passion for the industry, and someone who wanted to be as good as they can be within themselves,” Andrew says. “Ervis struck us as a self-starter; he differentiated himself in that regard.” Since joining the company, Ervis has impressed every foreman he has worked alongside, and has become a valued contributor across multiple teams. He is now on track to complete his apprenticeship at the end of the year. Ervis’ determination was apparent after entering the Apprentice Challenge in 2025. Finishing third in the regional competition, he made a promise. “He said, ‘I’m coming back next year to win,’” Andrew says. “You can only admire that focus and desire.” This year, Ervis delivered on that goal, progressing through the regional heats to earn his place in the national final, held on June 6. The Apprentice Challenge, run in partnership with BCITO and Mitre 10 Trade, tests far more than practical carpentry skills. Competitors are assessed on leadership, client relationships, community engagement, technical ability and problem-solving, making it one of the industry’s most comprehensive apprentice competitions. Andrew says the company encouraged Ervis to focus on the experience rather than the result. “We told him it’s nice if you win, but at the end of the day you’ve already succeeded by getting to this point,” he says. “It’s about enjoying the experience and banking the skills and experience that come from the opportunity.” Within Warren Adolph Homes, Ervis has emerged as a leader among fellow apprentices. The company meets with its apprentices every six weeks, and as one of the senior apprentices, Ervis regularly shares his opinions and energy to help influence and motivate the others – something Andrew says is of great benefit to the wider team. “Competitions such as the Apprentice Challenge play an important role in celebrating excellence and providing role models for others entering the industry,” he says.
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