Latest news with #ScottDavies
Scoop
2 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Apprentice Claims National Building Title
Tauranga's Scott Davies (20) beat out regional champions from across New Zealand to take the title of New Zealand's top apprentice at the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge National Final, in Hamilton on 6-7 June. Jack Mathis (19) from Waikato took second place, Nelson local Charlette Bone (39) finished third, and Taranaki's Jake Dugdale (34) was awarded the Chairperson's Personality Award. The NZCB Apprentice Challenge is now in its fifteenth year. Finalists were judged on their craftsmanship, commitment to the trade, and examples of their work. The event, held in partnership with BCITO, saw over 100 apprentices compete in regional heats in April, with 19 finalists qualifying for the national event. The Papamoa local took home the prestigious Ken Read Memorial Trophy, a $10,000 prize pack from Mitre 10 Trade, and national recognition as one of the industry's promising up-and-comers. 'I've had a great time competing alongside other apprentices from all over the country. The competition really pushed me, so to come away with the win is just unreal,' says Scott. 'This award goes to my family and mum, in particular, who have been behind me the whole way. A big shout out also to the sponsors, who have been really generous with their support.' As part of the two-day final, competitors were challenged to build a traditional carpenter's stool in just one hour. The high-pressure build was designed to test speed, precision, and decision-making under pressure. The judging panel included Jonathan Tito, Industry Advocate for Carpentry at BCITO; Mark Dawson, Industry Advocate at Waihanga Ara Rau; and 2024 Apprentice Challenge winner Daniel Smith. NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming says the Apprentice Challenge tests apprentices on the standards NZCB expects from its builders. 'Performing well here means they're ready to step into the industry and build with the quality New Zealanders rely on. 'All the apprentices showed incredible craftsmanship, we are excited to watch their careers develop from here. Greg Durkin, BCITO Director, said it was exciting to see that 14 of the finalists were BCITO apprentices. 'The talent and dedication on display this weekend was outstanding. Seeing 14 BCITO apprentices among the finalists shows the strength of our apprenticeships and the calibre of young people entering the trades. We are incredibly proud to support them as they shape the future of New Zealand's building industry. Competitions like the NZCB Apprentice Challenge are more than just a test of skill—they build confidence and sharpen real-world abilities. It is inspiring to see how events like this contribute to a thriving, high-quality construction workforce.' The Apprentice Challenge National Final was held alongside NZCB's annual conference, which brought together around 400 industry professionals. Note to the editor: First place won a $10,000 prize pack sponsored by Mitre 10 Trade Second place won a $7,000 prize pack sponsored by Milwaukee Third place won a $5,000 prize pack sponsored by GIB Chairperson's Personality of the Year won a $3,000 prize pack sponsored by Paslode. All winners are happy to speak with media. About NZCB New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) represents 3,000 members who construct high-quality homes for everyday New Zealanders. It's the only builder association in New Zealand with strict entry criteria that requires all members to hold a recognised industry trade qualification in carpentry. This means homeowners can rely on NZCB builders to produce high quality new builds and renovations, backed by the 10-Year Halo Guarantee. About BCITO The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) is New Zealand's leading building and construction apprenticeship provider. It is proudly New Zealand owned and with a 34-year track record, it is a trusted partner in the sector, delivering over 55,000 trade qualified professionals in 16 different trades.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Legendary journeyman finally retires at 46 after playing more than 900 games for 52 clubs
A legendary journeyman in football has finally called time on his career after playing more than 900 games for 52 different clubs. Jefferson Louis, who featured for the likes of Oxford, Stevenage and Wrexham, started his playing days back in 1996 with Risborough Rangers, before embarking on the ultimate journeyman career. His final club was Thame United, who the forward played 54 times for before hanging up his boots. The most time he ever spent at a club was two seasons, and he one placed for five clubs in one year in 2011, playing for Gainsborough Trinity, Darlington, Weymouth, Hayes & Yeading, Maidenhead and Brackley all in the calendar year. More of his clubs included Lincoln, Newport and Crawley, but he spent almost all of his career in non-league also turning out once for the Dominica national side in a World Cup qualifier. Although he has waved goodbye to his playing days, he is remaining in football, with the 46-year-old now taking up a role as assistant first team coach at Slough Town. Louis once claimed his journeyman status had worked against him. He said: 'People say he must be a rebel, Jefferson must have been rude. 'It's tarnished me. Some managers think I must be a bad apple.' His new boss, though - Slough head coach Scott Davies - is backing him to be a success in the dugout. 'Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability,' he said. 'Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it's so important that we, as a management team, can tap into their psychological side too. 'Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren't going as well as they may have hoped. 'And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we've got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.'
The Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Legendary journeyman footballer finally retires at 46 after playing more than 900 times for FORTY-TWO clubs
LEGENDARY football journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired at the age of 46 after playing over 900 times for 42 clubs. The iconic striker had been slogging it out on the field since 1996 with Risborough Rangers. 4 Louis' travels saw him play for an incredible 42 sides, including Oxford United, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham. He was most recently playing Thame United in the Southern League Division One Central. But after 903 career appearances, and more than FIFTY transfers, Louis has finally retired. However, fans will be pleased to hear that he hasn't quit football for good. That's because he has immediately taken an assistant coaching role at Slough Town, who compete in England's sixth tier in the National League South. Louis made five appearances there as a player in 2023. During that time, he also worked as a performance coach for teammates. And manager Scott Davies believes Louis has the right skills to become a hit in the dugout. He declared: 'Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability. 'Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it's so important that we, as a management team can tap into their psychological side too. Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers 4 4 'Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren't going as well as they may have hoped. "And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we've got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.' Slough fans reacted with delight at the news. One said 'Class this, great gaffer to learn off.' Another declared: 'Superb appointment, welcome back.' One noted: 'Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.' Another added: 'So much experience and knowledge at this level.'
Sky News AU
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Labor fulfilled ‘bread and butter' policies which lead to Tasmania victory
Reign-Maker Advisory Principal and Founder Scott Davies has said Labor pulled together 'quality candidates' who 'resonate with Tasmanians' which ultimately led to their victory. 'Tasmanians want political parties that genuinely concentrate on those issues which are bread and butter political issues,' Mr Davies told Sky News Australia. 'They totally did that this time. 'For the first time in a long time, Tasmania had a set of really really quality candidates that were reflective of exactly what their electorates want, need, and resonate with Labor Party voters. 'Labor really, really put together a package of both issues and personalities which worked incredibly well.'
Sky News AU
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
‘On marbles': Liberal Party's policies contributed to their loss
Reign-Maker Advisory Principal and Founder Scott Davies claimed the Liberal Party's policies were 'on marbles' which led to their loss to the Labor Party in the federal election. 'Labor should not be too triumphant about this election result, and they haven't been,' Mr Davies told Sky News Australia. 'Let's face it, everything went right for Labor in this election, everything went wrong for the Liberals in this election. 'Their policies were on marbles. 'The Liberals were defined by the Labor Party from the first week of the campaign, and they never got a chance to get any traction.'
