Rowan Holmes recently took part in the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge in Queenstown.
Competing against the clock and other apprentices, his task was to construct a planter box within eight hours.
He gained first place for the Otago region, winning a $1000 Makita and Mitre 10 trade prize pack.
Mr Holmes also secured entry to the national final at the New Zealand Certified Builders Conference and Expo in Hamilton in June where he will compete against 18 regional winners for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $10,000 in prizes.
Mr Holmes is apprenticed to Spot On Building in Dunedin and owner Chris McLean was very supportive, providing his garage so Mr Holmes could try out building prototypes before the challenge.
"He drove up with some other workmates and they were there to support me in Queenstown, which was really nice."
Mr Holmes has always enjoyed building things.
"I always have a project on the go."
Outside of construction, he has also done blacksmithing and leather work.
Mr Holmes is donating his planter box to Liberton Christian School.
