Jack Mathis has home advantage for the Hamilton event. Photo: Supplied
Waikato's Jack Mathis was encouraged by his sister-in-law to enter the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge and, after winning the regional competition, he now has the home advantage at the national finals in Hamilton on Saturday.
Nineteen apprentices from across the country are attending the event, after first winning their regional heats in April.
The competition is New Zealand's biggest hands-on apprentice competition, but Mathis said he entered mostly for a bit of fun.
"It's good to see how I compete, compared to other apprentices from across New Zealand, and see everyone's quality of work."
During the regional competition, Mathis had to use detailed plans, given to him in advance, to build a planter box that was judged on workmanship, accuracy, assembly and time management.
This weekend, the pressure goes up a notch, with a panel interview, a presentation and a practical skills test that will only be revealed on the day, but Mathis said the practical work didn't scare him.
"Standing in front of people is going to be a hard thing, for the presentation, but I'm looking forward to meeting all the other apprentices from around New Zealand."
Growing up, Mathis spent weekends and school holidays working as a labourer for his brother, who is a builder.
"I always thought I'd be on a dairy farm, but it just became so easy to get a trade under my belt before doing anything," he said. "I'm quite enjoying the trade at the moment, so I don't think I'll be leaving anytime soon."
Mathis still works for his brother, apprenticing at his South Waikato building company.
The national champion will be announced on Saturday evening.
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