Building on success

NZCB Apprentice Challenge Taupō competitors.

Taupō apprentice Ryan Colquhoun has claimed top spot at the Taupō heats of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge.

The competition tests carpentry skills under pressure and is held in partnership with BCITO.

This year, apprentices were given eight hours to construct a planter box, which were then donated to the community.

Ryan, 33, says the build was challenging, and managing the time was quite hard.

“I just tried to keep to myself and focus on what I was doing.

“My workmates (from Wade Construction) who came along were pretty stoked for me, so that was cool. My friends and family came as well, and the support definitely made a big difference.”

Carl Guinabasan, 22, made second place, while Vaughn Murray, 23, came third.

Ryan wins a $1000 Makita and Mitre10 Trade prize pack. He will be flown to Hamilton in June to represent Taupō at the national final, competing against 18 other regional winners for the prestigious Ken Read Memorial Trophy and a $10,000 prize pack.