| 87 Christchurch - Ridgeline Building BUILDING Developing top tradies a passion Richard Loader Ridgeline Building’s top tradesmen have extensive experience building new homes. There is a difference between those who want to be told what to do and those who want to know what’s going on and lead from the front, and Phil Jamison is one of those guys, says Brian Orford, Managing Director of Ridgeline Building. Now a qualified builder, Phil entered and won the 2021 South Island Central Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Award. Before commencing his carpentry apprenticeship with Ridgeline Building just over four years ago, Phil was managing a Noel Leemings’ store in Christchurch. Having worked for Noel Leemings for six years after completing school, Phil felt he really wanted to work with his hands and the building trade seemed to call. After spending six months talking to Brian about his dream Phil finally took the plunge, signing up as an apprentice with Ridgeline Building under the BCITO apprenticeship programme. “Phil just went from strength to strength from there,” says Brian. “He’s the sort of guy who wants to know everything. He arrives at a job and doesn’t just want to know what he will be doing for the next hour or so, he wants to know what the whole job entails. “He really gets into the project and wants to see the plans. In a trade, a lot of guys aren’t interested in that, they just want to be told what to do. Phil’s the sort of guy who you can tell once, he will go away and think about it and the results are pretty impressive.” Along with being a skilled craftsman, Phil’s work ethic and tidy work site practices also impressed Brian who is confident that Ridgeline building is always well represented. The BCITO trainer also recognised Phil’s talent and felt he would be a good candidate for the Apprentice of the Year Award. Always up for a challenge, Phil was more than keen to give it a go. “There’s a bit of work involved,” explains Brian. “Phil had to do a big written project on one of the jobs he had worked on and then present it to the judges. He had to have site meetings with BCITO, the three judges and myself and talk through the project, the role he played and his understanding of the plans, time frames and sub contractors.” Winning prize money and tools, Phil went on to represent the region at the National awards in Wellington, competing against candidates from throughout the country. While not placed, Phil acquitted himself well and the judges spoke highly of him. Brian has no doubt Phil’s next step will be to look at where his future lies. “All my apprentices eventually go out on their own, and I say good on them. You can’t hold good people back.” to page 88 Architectural Residential Light Commercial New Builds Repairs Renovations Coving Installation Jerry de Bruyn jerry@jandrpainters.co.nz 021 985 308 J & R Painters (Chch) Limited | www.jandrpainters.co.nz DOWNES ELECTRICAL • Commercial • Heat Pumps • Domestic • Commercial & Office Fit-outs • Industrial • Maintenance & Servicing • Dairy Sheds • Renovations and Alterations P. 027 364 3583 | E. scott@downeselectrical.com | 422 North Eyre Road, Swannanoa, Christchurch www.downeselectrical.com
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