Sam Mason

Apprentice, Auckland 

Aspiring Kiwi carpenter shares the importance of ‘learning from mistakes’

From initial frustration to newfound confidence, Sam Mason reflects on his journey as an apprentice at Builders Academy.

"When I first started, it was very slow and quite frustrating," Sam recalls.

His early days as an apprentice were marked by uncertainty and challenges, exacerbated by the diverse approaches within different companies. Yet, amidst the chaos, Sam found a glimmer of hope.

"Everyone does everything differently," he notes, acknowledging the varied methods employed in the industry.

Working alongside her industry mentor Lisa Buchanan at DC Build, Sam experienced a breakthrough, as he mastered the right skills for cutting scribers.

"Once you get to that point where everything clicks and you’re taking on everyday carpentry tasks with ease, your confidence starts to grow.”

Embracing constructive criticism, he acknowledges his tendency to challenge norms, recognising it as both a strength and a weakness.

"I can challenge my mentors quite a lot. It can be a good thing and a bad thing at the same time. Sometimes I find it’s not the right time to challenge my mentor.”

As he navigates the complexities of the industry, Sam emphasises the importance of learning from mistakes.

"Giving yourself permission to make mistakes is actually the best way to do it," he asserts.

With a focus on on-site learning and continuous improvement, Sam embodies the spirit of Builders Academy, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.