114 | Kennedy Building T T Rosa Watson Apprenticeship award success Kennedy Building is n owned by Will Kennedy and Louise McKewen. BUILDING Riverton-based Kennedy Building has once again celebrated an apprentice reaching the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice of the Year national final. This marks the sixth year the firm has had apprentices in the national final. Owner Will Kennedy joined apprentice William Hogg at the event in Wellington in June and stated that although William was not placed in the top three, he was “right up there in the final mix”. William had won the Southland regional competition in April. He began working with the Kennedy Building team a year ago and made it to the national finals as the Southland winner. Co-owner Louise McKewen mentioned that William valued the experience of putting his skills under pressure and meeting other apprentices throughout the country, as well as having a great time. “William seems to love a challenge, and it was no surprise that he jumped at the chance to enter again this year,” Louise added. She stated that they always encourage apprentices to take on challenges as it pushes them outside their comfort zone. “They win amazing prizes and meet like-minded people, so it is great for their personal development and networking.” Louise highlighted the improvements in the apprenticeship scheme from when Will did his apprenticeship. “A lot more photos and comments can now be done from their phone, which they are often very good at, rather than the old days of printing off photos, and writing long paragraphs of information! This must’ve been frustrating for those with learning difficulties but excelled in the practical sense.” Having an assessor visit regularly on site also helps keep them accountable, she said. The scheme offered hands-on experience and the ability to earn while you learn. Currently, the firm has five apprentices in their final year of apprenticeship and five first-second year apprentices. Over the firm’s 16 years in business, they have had 12 apprentices go through the scheme. Will and his brother Andrew started out as Kennedy Brothers Building in 2008. In 2021, Will and Louise bought Andrew out of the business as he wished to pursue other interests. Since then, the business has grown to around 20 employees. The firm specialises in new home builds primarily, but also undertakes special commercial projects, pole sheds, and renovations. They pride themselves on delivering high-quality work in a timely and efficient manner. “We strive to always put our best foot forward, rather than competing on price against other builders, we put a lot of effort into who we present our tenders. Nothing is more satisfying than hearing that the prices were close, but we had been far more thorough.” Will said. They had fostered strong relationships with their suppliers and subcontractors who consistently went above and beyond for them - a factor they hold in high regard for achieving business success. “We strive to be a sought-after employer by taking good care of our crew and fostering a desire for them to be part of our vision,” Louise mentioned. “We are grateful for the opportunities Kennedy Building has given us, and we now aim to bring as many of our team along for the ride, supporting them in varying ways. Whether that is helping them onto the property ladder or assisting them to go overseas so they too can reach their own goals.” “William seems to love a challenge, and it was no surprise that he jumped at the chance to enter again this year.” William began working with the Kennedy Building team a year ago and made it to the national finals as the Southland winner. 112 Spey Street, Invercargill | 03 218 2822 of ce@alllaycarpets.co.nz | alllaycarpets.co.nz CARPETS • DRAPES • TILES 100% Southland Owned & Operated CARPETS • VINYL • TILES • DRAPES • WOOD
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