The Brick and Blocklayers (BBFNZ), Firth Industries and BCITO are pleased to announce the return of the Brick and Blocklaying Apprentice of the Year Award – The Silver Trowel.
The intention of the Silver Trowel Award is to identify and promote the good skills and behaviour that make an apprentice great.
“We are looking at not just skills but regulatory knowledge and good employee behaviours like turning up to work on time, with the right gear, communicating well and working within competency” says BBFNZ CEO Melanie McIver.
“A lot of work has been undertaken to design an application and assessment process for the award that will help us judge the new criteria”.
Firth Industries are the major sponsor for the Silver Trowel Award. Providing both a cash award and the trophy
McIver credits the return of the Silver Trowel to the passion and determination of Firth Industries Christy Thompson.
“Christy has been the driving force behind the return of the Silver Trowel and has worked closely with BBFNZ and BCITO to ensure that it was back this year. Our apprentices may not realise how lucky they are to have her in their corner”.
BCITO are assisting with the judging and providing the winner with the opportunity to attend an Outdoor Pursuits course.
The prize package has not yet been finalised as discussions with minor sponsors are still underway.
The new process
Applications are open from 1 March 2016 and close on 1 May 2016.
Apprentices are required to submit with their registration a portfolio with two projects – one brickwork and one blockwork. They are required to describe the building work undertaken and identify any relevant codes or standards that relate to the work.
Employers and BCITO Training Advisors are also required to provide a supporting reference for the apprentice.
An assessment at apprentices final offsite training course are also planned for the future.
BBFNZ, Firth Industries and BCITO will be providing industry experts to assist in judging.
The winner will be flown to Invercargill on 12 August 2016 to receive the award at the BBFNZ Conference dinner.
Application forms and further information can be found at:
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