Apprentice Moore Wins Scholarship

Hamilton apprentice Joshua Moore had been crossing his fingers for a while, so was "absolutely stoked" when he heard he'd been awarded the Waikato Registered Master Builders Scholarship.

The annual scholarship scheme has since 2008 worked in conjunction with the Tertiary Education Commission's Gateway programme, run at many secondary schools.  The scheme helps promising students make a smooth transition from school to employment.

This scholarship is awarded to a school leaver who has been involved with a Waikato school's Gateway programme, who has worked for a Registered Master Builder on their assigned practical days and has been offered a BCITO apprenticeship with a member of Waikato Registered Master Builders.  The scholarship is under review and will soon be open to apprentices who are not in the Gateway programme.

Employer Steve Ross of Stewart Hanna say Joshua has the right attitude and a great work ethic.  "He is good at all parts of the job."  Joshua, who started his apprenticeship last year through Hamilton Boys' High School and the Gateway programme, says the scholarship means that he has support from the building industry, and it will help him pay for his education.

He enjoys building because he's always learning, doing new things daily and meeting new people.  The keen rugby player and surfer says his 10-year plan includes starting his own construction business.