MIT carpentry student on his way to another national final

16/09/24

Third-year MIT carpentry student Daniel Smith has won this year’s Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year regional title for Auckland.

Thirty-two-year-old Daniel will now join eight other regional winners from throughout the country for the national final in Auckland from 7-8 November.

Earlier this year, Daniel won the NZCB Apprentice Challenge; the first time that MIT has had a national finalist in the competition. He beat out a field of nineteen fellow finalists to take the coveted title.

For the Master Builders Auckland regional final, participants were judged on a two-hour practical build of a bench seat, along with an extensive submission detailing a building project, a site visit, and an interview with the judging panel.

In their citation on Daniel’s win, the judges commented:

“Daniel's submission showcased his dedication and passion for the building industry through detailed presentations of both a new build and a renovation project.

“His thoroughness, especially in discussing building standards, health and safety, and resource consents, set him apart. Daniel's commitment to continuous learning, demonstrated by his attendance at workshops on new products, further highlighted his proactive approach.

“His employer praised his initiative in staying upto-date with industry innovations and making site improvement suggestions. Daniel’s professionalism and enthusiasm make him one of the most impressive apprentices we have encountered.”

Daniel originally studied mechanical engineering, but made the switch to carpentry three years ago, after following his passion.

“Carpentry has been a massive obsession of mine for the past three years. These competitions have given me extra motivation to get the most out of my apprenticeship and it's awesome to see my dedication pay off.

“The extra research, expos, study and practice all help me become a better builder - it has put me in good stead for my career in construction.

“The hands-on experience from the workshop at MIT under Bruce's guidance really helped me excel in the practical competitions. The weekly night classes also encouraged me to stay on top of my learning”.

MIT carpentry lecturer Bruce Smith added that he’s extremely proud of Daniel’s performance and achievement, which he’s hoping will help inspire other students to follow their dreams.

“Daniel is one of the best apprentices in New Zealand, and we wish him all the best for the final in November.”

Daniel, who is an apprentice with Structured Builders in Auckland, won $2,000 worth of Carters’ vouchers, trade tools and a 16-day Outward Bound course as part of his prize.

More information on the event is available here.