Carey - New Zealand?s top apprentice | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

Carey Mander won a gold medallion at the SkillEx National Competition in Wellington for his excellent joinery skills.

The national contest is open to all apprentices and competitions are held for a wide range of fields including builders, mechanics, florists, chefs, etc... Carey competed for the top prize against eight other joinery apprentices who were chosen from previous regional competitions.

Carey won the Central regionals held in Palmerston North in May. Unfortunately, due to his age, he is unable to attend the WorldSkills contest in Japan next year and the runner-up will be taking his place.

To win the top spot, Carey had to design and create an odd-shaped frame.

Apprentices were given 22 hours to complete the challenge, using mainly hand tools. The expertise needed to finish the job was of a high standard and several apprentices were unable to finish the project.

Although Carey said he was unsure he had won, he said he knew he had a good shot as he believed in his skill. Carey works for Eltham Building Supplies and said he owes his employers, Ian and Donald Murray, a lot of thanks.

Although very humble with his natural talents, he said his bosses taught him well.

Following his grandfather, who is a builder, and enjoying woodwork at high school, Carey said he chose this pathway because he wasn't ready to be a farmer like the rest of his family.

Carey finishes his apprenticeship next week and has one course left to go at the start of next year. Carey said he plans to stay at Eltham Building Supplies for a while but isn't sure if joinery is his future.

As New Zealand's top apprentice joiner, Carey has a bright future ahead of him.

Eltham Building Supplies has started a tradition with teaching top apprentices. The first New Zealand apprentice from Eltham was about 20 years ago, but just a few years back they had a runner-up in the national contest. Eltham Building Supplies are definitely a great asset for up-and-coming joiners.

Carey Mander from Eltham Building Supplies is New Zealand's top apprentice joiner, winning gold at the SkillEx Nationals.