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Adam Johnson originally wanted to join the police when he left Whangaparaoa College, but says he is pleased that his interests instead lead him into a career in building.
Recently, he gained third place in the national final of the Certified Builders Carpentry Apprentice Challenge after winning the regional event in April.
After leaving school, Adam spent a few years working for a friend doing mini storage fit outs and making cabins all over the country. He then became self-employed, taking on work that included building garages for Versatile Homes.
An apprenticeship seemed the next logical step, as it enabled Adam, who is now aged 24, to work on houses.
He works with Tiger Building Contractors, which has meant relocating from the Coast to Auckland city.
“I enjoy standing back and thinking ‘I did that’ at the end of the day,” Adam says. We’re working on a multi-million dollar renovation in Mt Eden, turning 100-year-old heritage buildings into apartments so the work is really interesting.”
Adam has a property in Arkles Bay that he renovated himself. “I wouldn’t have known how to do that if I’d gone into the Police force,” he says.
The NZ Certified Builders foster quality apprentices and recognise upcoming talent.Age is no barrier to being an apprentice: the age of finalists this year ranged from 19 to 41 years, and half were over the age of 25.
The apprentices’ technical skills were tested during the regional events, where they were tasked with building a children’s playhouse to set specifications within an eight-hour timeframe.
The final challenge involved a panel interview and presentation to test their theoretical knowledge and communication.
