At a gala dinner held on Friday August 25 2023, at Auckland’s Grand Millenium Hotel, Jack Norris was crowned 2023 Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge Commercial/Domestic Winner.
The Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge is an annual event that celebrates the skills and talents of electrical apprentices from across New Zealand. It’s a platform where these young professionals can test themselves in high-pressure scenarios and showcase their abilities. The Aotea Electric Canterbury team had a lot to be proud of, as one of their own, Jack Norris, took to the stage.
The Significance of the Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge
The Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s a testament to the commitment of the electrical industry to nurture and recognise young talent.
This competition serves as a launchpad for many young electricians, pushing them to excel in their careers. It’s a chance for apprentices to go beyond their comfort zones, face real-world scenarios, and grow both technically and mentally.
In 2023, Aotea Electric Canterbury had an impressive showing, with about 20 of their apprentices competing. Overall there were 61 apprentices from the national Aotea Electric group, 20% of the competitors at this year’s Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge 2023. 11 prizes were awarded to Aotea Electric apprentices. Impressively four out of five finalists in the Domestic Commercial section were from the Aotea Electric group (1 each from Christchurch and Hokitika; 2 from Auckland).
Here’s the full list of regional Aotea Group finalists:
Super proud of Jack who went on to win the overall national Domestic /Commercial Apprentice of the year.
For the full list of results by region, see below:
Northland:
1st – Ben Campbell, Aotea Electric Northland (Domestic/Commercial)
Auckland:
1st – Adam Thompson, Aotea Electric Auckland (Domestic/Commercial)
2nd – Liam Gassler, Employed by Etco, hosted by Aotea Electric Auckland (Domestic/Commercial)
Initiative Award – Byron Boon, Employed by Etco, hosted by Aotea Electric Canterbury
Hawkes Bay:
2nd – Corbin Acraman, Buzz Electrics (Industrial)
4th – Michelle Mahy, Buzz Electrics (Industrial)
Manawatu:
1st – Jaeden Giles, B & M Electrical (Domestic/Commercial)
2nd – Taylor Lind, B & M Electrical (Domestic/Commercial)
Wellington:
Initiative Award – Christian Schneider, Employed by Etco, Hosted by Seven Electrical
Tasman:
3rd – Steve King, Aotea Electric Blenheim Limited (Domestic/Commercial)
Canterbury:
1st – Jack Norris, Aotea Electric Canterbury (Domestic/Commercial)
2nd – Wade Phelps Hamish Hamilton Electrical (Domestic/Commercial)
Initiative Award – Emma Wilson, Aotea Electric Westland
South Canterbury:
2nd – Marisa Joseph, Aotea Electric Canterbury (Domestic/Commercial)
Dunedin:
3rd – Oliver Zwicker, Aotea Electric Southern Ltd (Domestic/Commercial)
2nd – Michael Cathcart, Aotea Electric Southern Ltd (Industrial)
Invercargill:
2nd – Peter Connell, Aotea Electric Invercargill Ltd (Domestic/Commercial)
Aotea Electric Support of the Apprentice Scheme
These reults speaks volumes about the quality of training and mentoring provided by the Aotea Electric team. Locally, David Moon and Tim Kennedy, from Aotea Electric Canterbury, have been actively involved in judging this competition for over 15 years. Their dedication to this event is not just about evaluating skills; it’s about witnessing these apprentices rise to the challenge and thrive in a high-pressure environment.
“We love seeing these young people test themselves in this competition against their peers in a high-pressure environment. We have also seen people come out of this comp and go on and do great things in our industry.” Tim Kennedy
We also want to mention in an early round of the challenge Lea Tahapehi when she made her TVNZ debut, showcasing the Master Electricians New Zealand Apprentice Challenge in Christchurch. See Lea in action HERE
Jack Norris: A Rising Star
Jack Norris’s journey to becoming New Zealand’s top domestic/commercial apprentice is a testament to his dedication and the support he received from Aotea Electric Canterbury. His story is an inspiring one, as he didn’t start his career as an apprentice. Instead, he initially joined Aotea Electric as a labourer straight out of high school. However, after 18 months, he took the initiative to travel overseas for two years. When he returned, he was offered the opportunity to become an apprentice.
Jack’s decision to become an apprentice wasn’t something he had planned initially, but it turned out to be a life-changing choice. He embraced the role wholeheartedly and worked diligently to improve his skills. His hard work has obviosuly paid off!
The finalists had to complete five two-hour practical modules over two days, reflecting various scenarios an apprentice might face on the job. All of the apprentices had been given a heads up on the modules in advance so that they have time to brush up on what they need to do and be in with a chance to win. Jack has achieved his goal of winning at his second attempt at the Challenge, first making it as finalist in 2022.
“I can’t return and then not win. So I’m pretty stoked it’s a real achievement for me,” says Jack “Becoming an apprentice wasn’t something I was looking for at the time, but I’m really glad I’ve done it. It’s great work.”
The Challenge and the Achievements
The 2023 edition of the competition was particularly fierce, with a record 317 apprentices participating. “It’s no small thing to reach the finals let alone win the title of Apprentice of the Year,” says Master Electricians Acting Chief Executive and General Manager Operations Mathew Lawrence. “This event really tests apprentices technically, mentally and physically. It was an intense couple of days for the 10 finalists as they are all very focused high achievers at the top of their game.”
Winning represents a culmination of years of training, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Jack’s achievement is a source of pride not only for Aotea Electric Canterbury but also for the Aotea Electric Group.
Conclusion
The Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of the future of the electrical industry. Jack Norris’s victory exemplifies the potential of young apprentices and the importance of mentorship and training programs. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, these apprentices are the ones who will lead the charge, ensuring that New Zealand’s electrical infrastructure remains safe and innovative. Jack’s success is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and the right support network and we hope he is the first of many winners.
