Pāpāmoa local Scott Davies has won the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year title.

Davies has always lived in Pāpāmoa. It’s where he grew up and went to school.

“It’s such a beautiful place, and I’ve always loved the beach and being outdoors. In my spare time, I’m often out surfing with my mates.”

He has been a volunteer at the Pāpāmoa fire brigade for several years.

“I recently completed my training to become an official firefighter, and I’m proud to give back to the community through my volunteer work.”

He said at school, he has always been more into the hands-on, practical courses like woodwork.

“I wasn’t really interested in university, so after talking it through with my parents, I decided to get into the trades.

“I thought I’d try carpentry and quickly fell in love with it.”

When asked why Davies enjoys his building apprenticeship, he said he likes to create things from just a set of plans and he enjoys learning new skills that he knows will be useful in the future.

“I also really appreciate the culture at my company, Gudsell Builders. There are quite a few guys around my age, which makes work fun – there’s always good banter on-site.”

Davies said a bonus to the job is being able to work outside in the sun.

He entered the Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year competition to prove himself and compare his skills with other apprentices.

“My foreman, Sam Pulis, who won the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau regional competition in 2018, encouraged me to go for it.”

He said he greatly enjoyed the process, especially the project submission.

“It made me reflect on my work and better understand what I’ve been doing on-site. The whole experience has been a good challenge, and I’ve learned a lot from it.”

When he won the regional award, he said it was unreal.

“My mum was there, and she gave me a big hug with a huge smile — it’s a moment I won’t forget.

“It’s a fantastic feeling, and now I’m motivated to push hard for the nationals coming up in November.

“I doubted myself a bit along the way, but hearing my name called, I felt a sense of accomplishment and I was proud of myself.”

Davies will compete at the national finals in Auckland on November 7-8, where he will face the top apprentices from across New Zealand.

“I’m both nervous and excited about the national competition.

“I’ve looked at the plans from previous practical challenges, and it seems like it will be intense, so I’ll give it my best shot and see where it takes me.

“I’m also excited to visit Auckland and meet some other like-minded people.

“I’m also really looking forward to the Outward-Bound trip with the other regional winners — that will be an amazing experience.”

- SunLive