82 | Southland: Botting Builders Kelly Deeks Apprentice inherits ‘old school’ ethic Botting Builders can manage every aspect of a new build. BUILDING An inherited work ethic passed down from Southland construction industry stalwart Ray Harper is now paying dividends to the fourth generation, as 21-yearold Nic Menlove takes out second place in the Registered Master Builders Central South Island and Southern Apprentice of the Year competition. Nic has completed his apprenticeship under the oversight of Bevan Botting and his Invercargill family business Botting Builders. Bevan himself was trained by another well-known Southland builder, Barry Helm, while Barry was trained by Southland legend Ray Harper, before starting his own business when Ray retired. “Ray Harper is like the godfather of building in Southland,” Bevan says. “Everyone knows him. He was the driving force behind getting Stadium Southland built. Training under Barry, Bevan learned the ‘old school’ way of building from a man who was also open to new ideas and led by example, hard but fair, a trait that Bevan is sure his boys would say has been passed on. “The way he did things worked, and there was never a re-do, so we have stuck with that. He was polite, professional, and well respected. “Barry used to take on an apprentice every year, and we are trying to follow suit there too. I got trained the old school way, and we do that as well. “We are going back to basics and building everything right from scratch, teaching apprentices how to build frames and how to pour concrete floors so even if they don’t do this regularly in the future, they have the knowledge and know how to get it done. “When my apprentices become qualified, I want them to have a full understanding of the whole process of building or renovating a home. This allows them to take full control of their projects and helps them to problem-solve more easily, and have a sound understanding of what our sub-contractors require.” A large part of the job is building relationships with subcontractors and in Invercargill, they are reliable and trusted to provide high quality products and services. “They go above and beyond for us and our clients.” Botting Builders was started in 2010 after Barry retired and Bevan bought a lot of his tools and gear. Bevan started out doing small renovations which quickly led to new builds and large scale renovations, and after a year, Bevan took on his first apprentice . Botting Builders’ small, tight knit team provides an environment conducive to training, where Bevan is on the tools full-time and the team can see what he is doing and how he is doing it. Likewise he can see them and make sure they are performing the way he wants them too as well. “I am proud of my guys, they are passionate, they want to be there and they are excelling in all aspects of their training” Nic joined the team at Botting Builders four years ago while doing his pre-trade training, and Bevan says he presented as a well-mannered motivated young man. He worked Thursdays, Fridays and school holidays, then joined the team a year later as a perfect fit. Nic always wanted to be a builder after watching a renovation in his own home as a high school student. He was always interested in what they were doing and how they were doing it. “He’s only 21, but he thinks outside the box,” Bevan says. “He’s young and fresh and he came along with new ideas. He’s an all-round good guy and he’s so great with customers, we have no hesitation in leaving him at a job. We always receive positive feedback about what a great worker he is.” Competition judges said Nic is a true trade professional, measured and precise in everything he does. He had been given good opportunities by Bevan which allowed him to develop a sound understanding of all the tasks he performs. They said he is a respectful and resolute young man who is motivated by a good challenge, with great hands-on capabilities topped off by impressive organisational matt@masarchitecture.co.nz | 027 555 7704 | 368 Dee St, Invercargill MAS Architecture specialises in bespoke residential homes, alterations and light commercial design. The team is dedicated to producing exciting and responsive architecture from their studio based in Invercargill, Southland. Proudly supporting Botting Builders with 21 years of experience in roo ng mainly in the Southland Region and Otago. CRAIG RYDER 3rd generation roof installer specializing in long-run metal roo ng, metal wall cladding, metal fascia and spouting & downpipes. 02040063276 craigryderroo ng@outlook.com PRESTON PRE-CUT LTD MANUFACTURERS OF ROOF TRUSSES AND WALL FRAMES Ph: 03 218 3647 • Brent Cell: 0274 15 1963 30 Mersey St, Invercargill • Email: prestonprecuts@xtra.co.nz • Prenail Frames • Roof Trusses • Loose Timber NZO SG • Claw Beams • Laminated and LVL Timbers Suppliers of: Creative kitchen designs & renovations, and custom joinery reflecting your style and personality. Custom Build Quality Kitchens & Joinery • New Kitchens • Kitchen Renovations • Cabinetry & Joinery office@pdlkitchens.co.nz 027 424 5578 113B North Rd, Invercargill pdlkitchens.co.nz
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