apprentice trust

Supporting the next generation of builders.

NZCB believes that when the building industry does well, New Zealand does well.

That’s why we established the NZCB Apprentice Trust – to support construction trainees and others, removing barriers that would otherwise prevent them from pursuing their training and gaining the qualifications they need to succeed.

The Trust does this by providing scholarships and other support for those going through tough times, as well as recognising education and training opportunities and achievements.

Donations to the NZCB Apprentice Trust can be directly made to: 03-0435-0752957-000

NZCB Apprentice Trust background:

In 2002, an apprentice attending a two-week block course in Northland, 170km from his hometown, was found living in his van. With his wages spent on petrol, he survived on bread and hot drinks provided by the polytechnic. This situation, discovered only at the end of the course, was shared with a member of New Zealand Certified Builders, sparking the idea to establish a trust to support apprentices.

Thanks to the trust, building apprentices across New Zealand can now overcome some of the challenges and barriers to becoming qualified tradespeople. The trust, a registered charity, gratefully accepts donations to support its work.

New Zealand Certified Builders Association wishes to:

  • Promote and provide pathways in industry training
  • Provide scholarships for training
  • Provide a general fund for those in need to undertake training
  • Provide for general advancement of education of apprentices and other persons within the industry

NZCB Apprentice Trust Trustees:

niamh barraud 350w 340h
 
Niamh is a qualified builder with a preference for renovations and over five years of experience running my own company successfully.
 
After relocating to sunny Nelson with her family, Niamh joined a new team and am gaining a refreshed perspective on the trade. She currently serves as a member director on the NZCB Board and on the NZCB Apprentice Trust.
 
Niamh is passionate about building a clear and visible pathway for the next generation of carpenters, and believes in the importance of consistent, high-quality training. She values encouraging greater diversity in the trade, and helping ensure it’s a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of their differences.

dave whitehead 350w 340h

Starting in the industry in 1993, Dave worked predominantly in residential new builds and alterations on the Hibiscus Coast. Following a 3 year OE, started Lifebuilt Construction and Bella Kitchens & Cabinetry in 2007.

After joining NZCB in 2009, Dave has served the Auckland committee and acted as Interim President in Auckland.

Dave is a former director with NZCB and currently sits on the BCITO Advisory Group, Salt Trust, Unitec Advisory and the NZCB Apprentice Trust.

kate davies 350w 340h

Kate brings extensive experience in business development, sales, and leadership across the dairy, chemical, and food industries in both New Zealand and overseas. With a strong background in managing key stakeholder relationships, strategic planning, and team leadership, Kate has a proven track record of driving growth and fostering collaboration.

Currently serving as a Corporate Accounts Manager at Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Kate has held senior roles in organisations such as Tatua Co-operative Dairy, Alpine Deer NZ, and Ixom. Her expertise in governance, communication, and industry development makes her a valuable addition to the NZCB Apprentice Trust.

Beyond her corporate career, Kate is an experienced trustee, having served on boards including House of Science and the Bay of Plenty Early Childhood Music Education Trust. She holds a Master of Business Administration with Distinction from the University of Waikato and has a strong passion for mentorship and education.

kat ricketts 350w 340h

Katherine (Kat) is a highly respected construction professional, industry advocate, and leader with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and 12 years in governance. A qualified carpenter, she currently works as a Relationship Manager at Waihanga Ara Rau, where she fosters industry connections and supports vocational education.

Kat is also a National Council Member for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), advocating for greater visibility and opportunities for women in the industry. Her dedication to workforce development, mentorship, and industry excellence has earned her multiple awards, including NAWIC’s National Apprentice of the Year.

Her leadership, experience, and passion for strengthening the construction sector make her an invaluable addition to our board.

garry nott

Garry is a highly experienced building professional with over 30 years in the construction industry. With a strong passion for developing future tradespeople, Garry spent 10 years teaching carpentry at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), where he also established the ITAB apprentice programme.

A long-standing supporter of New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB), Garry has served on the local Nelson Bays Committee since 2007, including six years as President. He is currently a Director on the NZCB Board and continues to advocate for high-quality training and professional development within the industry.

As the owner of Tasman Homes since 2007, Garry brings a deep understanding of the needs of apprentices and businesses alike. Under his leadership, Tasman Homes has trained over fifteen apprentices, with another four currently completing their qualifications. His previous experience as a former Board Member for Habitat for Humanity (Nelson) further reflects his commitment to community and skill development.

Through his diverse background in teaching, management, and hands-on building, Garry is dedicated to supporting apprentices and the ongoing success of New Zealand’s building industry.

nick matthews 350w 340h

Nick is an accomplished professional with a passion for fostering apprenticeship training and empowering the next generation of New Zealand tradespeople. As a qualified Carpenter and Fitter Turner, Nick has completed two apprenticeships and holds both a Bachelor in Management and a qualification in Adult Teaching and Learning, showcasing his dedication to leadership and vocational education.

Having previously worked with the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB), Nick played a pivotal role in supporting members and employers nationwide. He was instrumental in establishing the NZCB Apprentice Network and continues to champion apprentices through the NZCB Apprentice Trust.

Beyond his advocacy work, Nick is actively involved in the industry, serving on the NZCB Canterbury Committee and the BCITO National Advisory Group – Carpentry. Currently, Nick is the South Island Sales Team Lead at Winstone Wallboards Ltd, where he combines his expertise and leadership to drive success.

Seeking help from the Trust? (Conditions Apply)

  1. Only NZCB Trainee Member apprentices aligned to the NZCB Apprentice Network are eligible to apply to the NZCB Apprentice Trust.
  2. All grant applications are considered at the absolute discretion of the NZCB Apprentice Trust Trustees.
  3. If applying for financial support under Hardship, applicants must supply evidence of how they have endured hardship.
  4. Grants for power tools and other mechanical tools are not covered as a rule, and by exception at the discretion of the Trustees.
  5. All applications should include complete supporting information as required.
  6. Apprentices who are applying for a grant should have been active in their apprenticeship training for a minimum of 12 months before the date of their applications. The Trustees may consider applications where training has been undertaken in a shorter timeframe in exceptional circumstances only.
  7. Employers are requested to state how they support the apprentice in their training e.g. providing a tool allowance, paid time when attending block training courses, applying for employer training subsidies etc. This information can be supplied in an email or letter from the employer and uploaded to the “supporting documents” section of the application form.
  8. Where further information is requested from the NZCB Apprentice Trust to support an application and this is not provided to the NZCB Apprentice Trust within 30 days of the request then the application may be lapsed and a new application will be required if a further grant is to be applied for.