etco* Apprentices win at ECANZ challenge
Once again etco* apprentices excelled in both categories of the ECANZ Challenge Finals held recently in Christchurch.
In the Industrial category all 6 finalists were etco* apprentices with final results being:
- 1st place - Daniel Berry from Auckland
- 2nd place - Ryan Hill from Hastings
- 3rd place - Robert Hutchings from Wellington.
Other finalists included Brad Wass (Wellington), Luke Gorliki (Hamilton) and Luke Keehan (Taupo).
In the Domestic/Commercial category, 2 of the 6 finalists were etco* apprentices:
- Dylan Coffin-Kawhena from Wanganui
- Trent McKenzie from Invercargill who achieved a very creditable 2nd place.
Over 3 days of stiff competition the 12 competitors from all around the country tested their skills against their peers. They were judged on skill and ability by completing a practical project which called for a high degree of quality workmanship, technical knowledge and knowledge of First Aid and CPR. Competitors were also required to prepare a contract tender and be interviewed by a panel of industry experts.
At the awards ceremony at Christchurch Art Gallery, attended by 200 people, the competitors and guests were entertained by guest speaker Multisport athlete and nine-times Coast to Coast winner Steve Gurney, who also presented the awards.
For their success in the competition the first, second and third place competitors took home prizes from ECANZ Challenge sponsors including Travel and Telecom vouchers. Winners of each category were also rewarded by the ETITO who will additionally sponsor them to attend a 3-week Outward Bound Course.
A further Outward Bound Course was also awarded to etco* apprentice Luke Keehan as selected in a vote by all ECANZ Challenge Finals judges. The ETITO-funded course was in recognition of leadership skills displayed over the course of the finals competition.
All twelve finalists also received tool kits to the value of $1000 from ECANZ Challenge Supporter TransNet.
Congratulations go to all of the etco* and non-etco* apprentices who performed so well in this year’s Challenge.
Gordon Whitelaw
etco* Apprenticeship Manager, Southern Region
