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A Mangawhai building company is celebrating the success of one of its young apprentices after he clinched the top spot in the recent regional New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge.
Te Arai resident Caidan Brien beat nine other talented apprentices to book his spot in the NZCB national final during the Whangārei regional heats held in the city last month.
Participants were tasked with building a pātaka (community sharing cupboard) during an intense eight-hour build period, with family, friends and employers watching on.
“I was pretty nervous when I got there, but I just had to block everyone out. I had to get into the zone,” Brien says.
The regional finalists’ carpentry creations were judged on workmanship, time management, attention to detail, tidiness, and their ability to work well under pressure.
Although two participants made it to the end of the heat, taking home a $1000 prize pack each for their efforts, it is Brien who will face the ultimate challenge at the NZCB national final, to be held in Auckland in June.
“It was really cool. It was an awesome experience. I learned heaps,” Brien says.
The pātaka crafted during the competition was built so competitors could gift it to a charity or community organisation that means something to them. Brien donated his creation to the local community hub, Te Whai Community Trust, Mangawhai.
Brien’s employer, Hamish Younger of Younger Builders, attended the event and applauded the talented apprentice, saying he is “super proud of him”.
“Caidan was able to read the plans, decipher the build, and had the skillset needed to do it in a commercially competent timeframe and with a nice finish. He ticked all the boxes in the competition,” Younger says.
This is the second time former Rodney College student Brien has entered the competition, where he placed third in 2023.
The 20-year-old has almost finished his BCITO apprenticeship after joining Mangawhai-based Younger Builders three years ago through a Gateway programme, which helps students find a pathway into vocational work.
The national final is the next challenge for Brien. Taking place at the NZCB annual conference in early June, the competition will feature finalists from around the country competing in a smaller, hour-long build and will see them deliver a presentation to colleges and industry leaders.
“I’m really excited for the final, but also definitely a little bit nervous. I’m sure it will be a really cool experience,” Brien says.
The winner of the final will take home a $10,000 career advancement prize package and the honour of being named New Zealand’s best apprentice.
