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Mahurangi teenager Matthew Fay has won a four-year scholarship to complete a carpentry apprenticeship.
As the construction industry in Mahurangi heats up, local teenager Matthew Fay has been awarded a $4100 scholarship designed to encourage more young people into the industry.
Customkit Buildings has sponsored the four-year carpentry scholarship and sales manager Nigel King presented the certificate last month.
The 17-year-old left Mahurangi College last year to pursue a career in building.
“I always liked woodwork at school and it’s great to be doing something hands-on,” Matthew says. “I like seeing what I’ve achieved at the end of a project. It’s great to have something to show for the hard work.”
Matthew’s boss, McKergow Builders owner Gus McKergow, nominated him for the award.
Mr McKergow says Matthew has shown great initiative and enthusiasm.
“He’s been really keen to learn and get more involved in different aspects of building,” Mr McKergow says.
Matthew is the fourth apprentice Mr McKergow has taken on, and the first straight out of school.
“We all needed someone to give us that opportunity,” Mr McKergow says. “It’s great to be able to help train the next generation.”
BCITO training advisor Mark Peters was also on hand to present the award to Matthew and says there are still not enough new apprentices to meet demand in the current construction boom.
