Entries Open for the 2021 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year

Concrete apprentices from around New Zealand are encouraged to showcase their talent and commitment by entering the 2021 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award.

Entries are now open, and apprentices can be in to win a share of around $10,000 in prizes, as well as the sought-after title of 2021 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year.

Concrete New Zealand (NZ) Chief Executive Rob Gaimster believes the reasons for establishing the award in 2017 remain - primarily the need for skilled concrete workers, as well as making sure those considering a career in construction are aware of the opportunities that the concrete industry offers.

“Within the construction sector, our industry has generally found it difficult to attract and retain qualified workers. Over recent years this has become accentuated by a buoyant market and therefore plenty of options for prospective workers.

“Having said that however, apprentice number in BCITO concrete qualifications have doubled over the past few years, so our message must be gaining traction.

“The Apprentice of the Year award is an established brand, respected for recognising excellent young people in trade training. So, to continue to offer a concrete version as encouragement for those looking to work with concrete, is an important part of our skills development strategy,” says Rob.

“The award is also an ideal way to recognise distinction and give impetus to an apprentice’s career – it’s a chance to demonstrate aptitude and set targets, as well as network with other concrete professionals,” adds Rob.

“Completing the entry process along with your employer and training advisor sends a clear signal of dedication. At the same time, the chance of being acknowledged with the top honour and right to call yourself the 2021 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year, is an opportunity not to be missed.”

The Award is open to all people who are currently enrolled in, or have qualified in one of the following BCITO concrete- based apprenticeships since 1 October 2019:

National Certificate

• Precast Concrete (Level 3)
• Concrete Production (Level 3)
• Product Manufacture: Pipe (Level 3)
• Product Manufacture: Masonry Product (Level 3)
• Construction: Sawing & Drilling (Level 3)
• Construction: Placing & Finishing (Level 3)
• Concrete Construction (Level 4)

New Zealand Certificates

• Concrete Construction Skills (Level 3)
• Concrete Construction: Commercial and Civil (Level 4)
• Concrete Specialist (Level 4)
• Concrete Production (Level 4)

“The Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award is centred around the principle that perseverance and hard-work are rewarded by success. Those in trade training should be recognised as aspiring professionals, and choosing a career the concrete industry offers a range of exciting opportunities for those interested in construction,” concludes Rob.

The Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award is made possible thanks to BCITO and Concrete NZ, and will be presented at the Concrete NZ Conference formal dinner on 18 February 2022 in Rotorua.

Concrete apprentices, their employers and assessors must all complete an entry form.

• Apprentice Form
• Employer Form
• Assessor Form

Download and complete the forms, then email to the address indicated.

Entries close Friday 26 November 2021.

Note. The new closing date for entries (Friday 26 November 2021) is an extension as uncertainty around when all of New Zealand will return to COVID-19 Alert Level 1 has meant Concrete NZ's 2021 Conference is postponed until 17-19 February 2022 in Rotorua.