UCOL are proud to celebrate Carpentry ākonga, Campbell Poulton, who took out the annual New Zealand Certified Builders Manawatū Regional Apprentice Challenge, earning himself a spot at the national conference and challenge next month.
Held at UCOL Manawatū in April, Poulton, who is a third-year building apprentice, went head-to-head with six other local apprentices to construct a garden trolley, designed by New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge Design Competition winner, Jillian Wilson.
As well as the glory of winning top spot, Poulton says he got so much out of the experience.
"Not only was it a real confidence booster being able to take full ownership of a project, but once the competition was finished, I really enjoyed the comradery, talking to all the guys and how they found it."
"It was great to meet others at the same stage in their apprenticeship and make those new connections in the building industry."
Finishing within the 8-hour timeframe, Campbell achieved the highest overall score, being awarded not only Makita power tools for the win, but also the opportunity to join 22 other regional winners for the national challenge in Hamilton, where apprentices vie for a $10,000 cash prize.
Poulton's employer, Brendan Graham of Brendan Graham Building, encouraged him to enter this year's challenge after coming second in last year's competition, and credits the great opportunities it provides apprentices.
"They're able to put to practise and showcase the skills they have learnt, seeing a project through from start to finish."
Competitors are given a plan prior to challenge day to enable them to prepare for the practical building task.
Graham has taken on UCOL apprentices for 14 years and believes the on-campus learning not only provides learners with a solid knowledge base needed to succeed as a quality builder but also gives them the chance to learn from each other.
"When apprentices come together at UCOL for class time they get that extra opportunity to share their practical, real-life experiences, which adds to their skill set."
Campbell is Graham's third apprentice to take part in the challenge and says his work ethic and particular attention to detail and finishing are his areas of strength, which are a real asset in the building industry.
Matt Cassells, Poulton's kaiako, says he has always been a hard-working ākonga and is keen to get stuck in to do what's needed to become a skilled carpenter.
"Coming from a farming family and working within his dad's fencing business, Campbell was used to putting in a great deal of effort, which has really shone through in his studies and this challenge."
"He's come a long way with learning how to stay calm under pressure and working through a project without getting flustered, which is a testament to the knowledge and skills he's gained while studying at UCOL and working with his incredibly experienced boss."
New Zealand Certified Builders Manawatū President, Craig Whitton, says the challenge enables apprentices to work through a real-life project.
"It's about building their confidence by providing them with an opportunity to work in a high tense environment that tests their skills in all areas of building, from planning to construction, health and safety to quality of finish."
"Winning the challenge enables apprentices to use it to their advantage in the future if they choose, by promoting themselves as being ahead of the game."
Whitton says to run a successful regional competition like this takes great community support.
"The volunteers, UCOL, Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation, Mitre 10 and Certified Builders all helped to make the day a huge success."
"The UCOL facilities are fantastic, and everyone worked together really well to deliver an event where competitors could give it their all in a supportive environment."
Campbell is gearing up for the national conference and challenge and looking forward to the opportunities to meet industry experts, other apprentices and find out more about the latest in building technology, gear and techniques.
"Although I've got a few butterflies floating around, I'm really enjoying the lead up and support we're all getting with the online meetings to ensure sure we're well prepared."
He encourages apprentices thinking of doing the Apprentice Challenge to give it a go.
Garden trollies from the challenge were donated around the community, with Poulton's gifted to Ōhau Primary School.