Finals Competition
The running of the tenth ECANZ Challenge finals have confirmed that the future of the electrical industry is indeed in good hands. The ECANZ Challenge judges were not only impressed with the quality of the applicants in terms of technical ability but also the way the apprentices conducted themselves both in and outside of the competition arena.
The main aspect to the competition required the apprentices to build practical simulations: The domestic/commercial finalists were required to design, price and wire an airport restroom complete with hand dryer and heated flooring panels. And as in a real world situation they were required carry out a last minute variation on their newly completed job.
The Industrial finalists were required to design, program, install and commission a blast freezer tunnel simulation for a frozen food process. The level of technology involved included a combination of PLCs, AC drives and programmable touchscreens. All competitors were subjected to an interview with a panel of industry representatives and required to demonstrate their first aid skills.
The competition culminated in an awards dinner on Friday the 29 July at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington. Art Gallery. Good Morning host, Brendan Pongio, MC'd the event which doubled as the competition's 10 year anniversay celebration as well. Guest speakers included past ECANZ Challenge Apprentices of the Year, Daniel Woolaston and Steve Letts.
All finalists were each presented with a high quality toolkit courtesy of TransNet. Third place getters in each category received $500 travel voucher and $500 telecom voucher. Second place getters received $800 travel voucher and $750 Telecom voucher, whilst first place getters received $1250 travel voucher, $1000 Telecom voucher, and care of the ETITO a life changing 28 day Outward Bound adventure.
The leadership award, proudly sponsored by Simpson Electrical Wholesalers, is a separate award chosen by the judges that recognises a finalist that has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities throughout the course of the competition. This year's award recipient was Sean Fitzpatrick who will be joining Paul and Logan on an Outward bound adventure.
More photos are coming shortly....
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