Contest winner is building himself a great new career

• Published date: 21 April 2022
• Author: Finn Williams
• Publication title: Whanganui Chronicle

Now Sullivan will represent Manawatū/Whanganui in the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge, after winning the regional competition earlier this month

Participants had to build a park bench to specific requirements and minimum safety standards in eight hours.

The benches were judged by a panel who examined technical aspects like quality of workmanship as well as crucial skills such as safe working technique and the ability to follow a plan, while working against the clock.

Sullivan said the planning process was the most difficult part of the challenge: making the plan and organising the building process for the bench so that it would go as smoothly as possible.

That was especially difficult for Sullivan, as he took part in the challenge while in isolation due to COVID-19.

He competed in the challenge last year, but said this year was very different as being in isolation meant he had no way of gauging how he was progressing compared to the other apprentices.

Despite these challenges, Sullivan’s bench came out with the highest overall score, earning him the title of regional champion and a $500 ITM gift voucher.

However, at the end of the eight hours, Sullivan was mostly hoping for a rest rather than jumping for joy.

“I was pretty tired to tell you the truth,” he said.

Sullivan is completing his apprenticeship at Craig’s Building in Marton, whose workshop he used to complete the challenge.

Company owner Craig Whitton said Sullivan had been a big help on jobs. “He’s a good bloke and he’s...