Building bright futures

Southern Registered Master Builders 2016 Apprentice of the Year winners (from left) Ben Saywell (25), of Queenstown (third), Ben Bringans (22), of Oamaru (overall winner), and Malcolm Sutherland (21), of Queenstown (second), at Friday night's awards at the Queenstown Memorial Hall.

Mr Bringans, who works for Oamaru firm Banks's Building Services, said he was excited and shocked about his win.

``I feel pretty honoured.''

After working in the industry for four years, the former Waitaki Boys' High School pupil became a qualified builder in May and wants to either run his own business or become a foreman or project manager.

Mr Bringans will compete against nine other regional finalists in a national final in Auckland on November 3 and 4.