Waikato’s top building apprentice Pascal Gisler was back on the tools this week, working on a home renovation at the base of Sanctuary Mountain in Maungatautari.
There was little time to celebrate after the 22-year-old won the regional heats of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge in Hamilton at the weekend.
It’s all smiles in Maungatautari with winning apprentice Pascal Gisler flanked by fellow apprentice Malachi Belcher, left, and Grant Family Homes owner Cameron Grant. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Gisler is employed by Cambridge-based Grant Family Homes, where company owner Cameron Grant, 27, was on site alongside him and fellow apprentice Malachi Belcher.
While Gisler lives in Hamilton, he works day-to-day in Cambridge for Grant and his wife Molly, who established the business nearly two years ago.
The timing could hardly be better for the Grants. As the company enjoys regional recognition for its apprentice, Cameron and his wife Molly have also just welcomed their third child.
“Lots is happening at once,” Grant said. “It’s pretty special.”
Gisler took out first place in the eight-hour competition, earning a $1000 prize package courtesy of Mitre 10 Trade and Makita. He will now represent the Waikato at the national final in Auckland in June. Second place went to Cullen Whiteman, 21, and Josh Tretheway, also 21, finished third.
The challenge tested apprentices on a full workday build of a pātaka (a community sharing cupboard). Judges assessed workmanship, joint accuracy, efficient use of materials, site safety and how closely competitors followed the plans.
And all of it happened in full view of the public.
Pascal Gisler in action during the competition.
“It was pretty nerve-wracking,” Gisler said. He donated the pātaka to the Christian school his fiancée works at.
“I didn’t sleep much the night before. The first hour was intense – just double-checking every measurement and making sure everything was right.”
The most challenging part was cutting the half-lap joints, but also the most satisfying.
“I honestly thought I’d flunked it,” he said. “When they called my name out, it was pretty surreal.”
Gisler credits careful preparation and strong support from his employer for the result.
“The certified builders put the message out calling for apprentices and Pascal was keen, so we were keen too,” Grant said.
“It’s an awesome growth opportunity for them, and it’s great to see his skills recognised.”
For Gisler, who returned to building after a two-year break farming in Hawke’s Bay, working for Grant Family Homes has been a highlight of his apprenticeship.
“I’ve worked for a few different builders, and they’re hands-down some of the most genuine people I’ve worked for,” he said. “They really care about the job and about their clients.”
New Zealand Certified Builders chief executive Malcolm Fleming said the challenge highlighted the promise of young builders coming through the trade, while Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation chief executive Jason Hungerford acknowledged the role employers play in developing apprentices.
Judges watching Pascal Gisler
Pascal Gisler
Pascal Gisler in action during the competition.
