New Zealander Austin Schrider has been named as the winner of the 2023 Ramset Apprentice Program – New Zealand. His prize included three market-leading Ramset tools including Frameboss™XPM, CableMaster ™ C-Plus®, Trakfast™ 800 Plus, and Ramset merch.
Austin is not only working as an apprentice – he is also in his third year as a Geology major at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand and will graduate with a postgraduate diploma in 2025.
Austin only recently started his apprenticeship and admits that not many third-year uni students take up an apprenticeship.
“This is an odd combination, I know,” he says.
After meeting the owner of BCS Construction, he scored a part-time labouring job in Christchurch to assist with getting through university debt-free – a personal goal of his. It wasn’t long before his love of working on site soon turned into a full-blown apprenticeship.
“There were a number of things that urged me to start my apprenticeship rather than stay a labourer. First thing is that I enjoyed the work so much. I grew up on a farm and love working with my hands. So given my situation and amazing opportunity I decided to do both simultaneously.”
Studying and working while meeting the demands of his apprenticeship and still having time for a social life is a balancing act, he says.
“However, I love a good challenge! And I truly believe hard work makes you successful and gets you places in life.”
Austin said that starting an apprenticeship has provided a host of benefits and he’s happy he took an unexpected route during his uni studies.
“Being an apprentice has led me to build friendships with people I would not have met, improved time management skills further than I thought possible, and one day I’ll leave my education with two great qualifications.
“Working full-time over summer during the university break has been awesome and I think the biggest highlights of doing an apprenticeship are the people you work alongside, the things you learn and improve on.”
Ramet’s Apprentice program, now in its fourth year, was established as a way of helping young tradies. Quality tools are a costly outlay, and can often be out of reach for apprentices. By setting up winners with market-leading tools early on their careers, apprentices can work more efficiently in a sustainable manner without the hassle of having to replace cheap, worn-out gear.
As part of the program, Austin, along with many other fantastic entrants, completed a short training module on the Ramset FrameBoss XPM and Chemical Anchoring range plus explained in 25 words or less why they should take home the top spot.
Austin won the online competition with his response where he described his current working state as an apprentice while completing his degree.
Ramset judges remarked on Austin’s strong work ethic and praised his commitment.
“I was impressed by his dedication to his career growth and development, taking on two courses concurrently to broaden his skillset. Austin’s dedication to his career and trade made him a stand-out and the recognition is well-deserved,” said Hannah Brazier, Digital and Marketing Communications Manager – Ramset.
Austin explained that Ramset helped him out more than they know.
“As a university student, the boost in my tool kit thanks to Ramset has helped me immensely. This has taken financial pressure off and will allow me to complete my apprenticeship with more efficiency and enthusiasm. With much gratitude, thank you Ramset!”
Come back later in the year as the Ramset Apprentice Program for 2024 returns, bigger and better than ever. Keep an eye on https://ramset.com.au/ramset-apprentice-program/ for this year’s competition details.
