Supercharged Carpentry Student Award 2024

Cook Brothers Construction in association with the Ara Institute of Canterbury would like to congratulate JC Aradanas and Michael Shaw who have received the Supercharged Carpentry Student Award in 2024.

The Supercharged Carpentry Student Award looks to recognise apprenticeship and carpentry students who demonstrate the culture, vision and attributes that Cook Brothers Construction value. The Supercharged Carpentry Student Award is based on: 

• Adherence for safety
• Concentrated improvement over the year
• Attendance and attitude to work and learning 
• Ability to work well with a team and share in celebrated success 
• Innovation, trying new ideas, coming up with solutions and overcoming obstacles 

JC Aradanas

"JC came to our class halfway through the year having first completed his Carpentry Dual enrolment course at Ara. From his first introduction to the class, he worked in well as part of the team and demonstrated a good work ethic.

I was often impressed with JC’s ability to spot faults or problems in others work even when they hadn’t realised themselves. This showed a high level of understanding and he would follow instructions well.

 JC could be trusted to work on more complex tasks and I knew I could leave him unsupervised for longer periods of time without needing assistance.

JC has a very friendly personality and a good sense of humour. He works well as part of a team and individually.  I’m sure he will fit in well with the building team he joins and should excel in his trade." 

Isaac Mclardy, Carpentry Tutor - Ara Institute of Canterbury

Michael Shaw

"Mike studied at Ara Institute of Canterbury from October 2023 to July 2024 and successfully completed the Certificate in Construction Trades Skills level 3.

Mike only missed one day throughout the whole year and was here on time every day, he was constantly reviewing the topics we were studying to gain a full understanding. His thirst for knowledge never waned as Mike would always ask questions and was there when others had left to ask more.

He has gained a lot of skills this year and is a consistent performer, his practical ability grew greatly, and he always held himself to the highest standard. Mike’s maturity in the group was greatly appreciated and this gave him an unwanted leadership position within his peers.

Mike has taken a position with a joinery firm to trial a career in the finishing areas of construction, he says he has gained a lot from the programme and has found it very useful in many aspects of his life.

Mike is a great 'all round student' and deserves this award as he has worked hard to achieve it and displayed all the attributes of not only a top apprentice carpenter, but also a top student. I wish Mike the very best for his future within the construction industry." 

Sam Holland, Carpentry Tutor - Ara Institute of Canterbury