After more than four decades in the construction business, Allen Barton wants to put something back in the industry by managing EIT’s level four carpentry apprenticeship programme in Gisborne.

Apart from managing over 30 local apprenticeships and leading the theory classes, Mr Barton is helping out with the building trades academy one day a week for secondary school students thinking of a career in construction.

He says the building sector has given him and his family a fantastic lifestyle and feels the time has come to give something back.

Allen has done time in all aspects of the building business since starting his own apprenticeship after finishing school.

After doing his time at the tool end of the trade on building sites, he progressed to become a foreman and site supervisor, later becoming a quantity estimator and project manager.

He moved his family from Tokoroa to Gisborne about 16 years ago when his two daughters were reaching their teens, working in senior roles with local building company City Construction.

He is looking forward to working with a new generation of building apprentices.

As part of their managed apprenticeships in the local industry, students will be undertaking their theory in evening classes at EIT. As well as teaching these classes, Mr Barton will administer their managed apprenticeships