Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year 2008, in association with Carters

Dunedin carpentry apprentice Joe Dobson (centre) won this year's top award in the national competition, of which the Department of Building and Housing is a sponsor. A ceremony was held in Wellington last month.

Joe is employed by Warren Baker Ltd, but is currently working on secondment with Stewart Construction. He beat nine other top apprentices from around the country, who in turn had been selected from a record 135 entries in 10 regions. He is pictured with second place-getter Shane Swan (left) from Tauranga and third place-getter Roger Townley from Blenheim.

Apprentice of the Year 2008 is a joint initiative run by the Registered Master Builders Federation, principal sponsor Carters, and supporting sponsors the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and the Department of Building and Housing.

The Department supports this competition to recognise and promote excellence among builders.