When Todd Maitland heard his name announced as this year’s Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year, he was a little overwhelmed.
“Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever thought of winning this,” he said, “but it’s pretty cool that I beat everyone else doing apprenticeships in New Zealand, and I did it with an impairment.”
Todd, 21, lives with autism, verbal dyspraxia, and developmental delay syndrome, and has no sight in his left eye.
He began with Brownmore Concrete under his boss Rex Podmore about three-and-a-half years ago, starting out with work experience. After a year, he officially signed on as an apprentice through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).
He has since completed his Concrete Construction Skills Level 3 qualification, and said he was showing the world that there was “ability within all disabilities”.
“It took me a bit longer than everyone else to complete [my apprenticeship]. I struggled with reading assignments and assessments, but had a whole heap of help from my family and BCITO support person Bill and my boss, Rex.
“The whole apprenticeship was adapted to my learning needs and I am ever so grateful that people took the time to believe in me and see that I could actually do this,” Todd said.
Now in its ninth year, the Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award – supported by BCITO – recognises exceptional apprentices who demonstrate “technical skill, determination, and a passion for concrete across all sectors of the trade”.
The judges commended Todd for his resilience, growth, and commitment to excellence, but he’s also a role model beyond the worksite.
Todd is the vice-captain of the New Zealand Men’s Whaikaha Basketball Team, a national side for players with intellectual impairments, which he said featured “some of the best talent” in the country playing at the highest calibre.
He’s also captain of the Tauranga Special Olympics Basketball Team, heading to Christchurch in December for the National Championships.
Not only that, but Todd has recently purchased his first home with his brother in Paeroa.
It’s a list of achievements that speaks volumes about Todd’s determination, even if he doesn’t see himself as particularly ambitious.
“I am number two out of four brothers, and my parents have always pushed all us boys to work hard, turn up early, do the mahi, and to say yes to any opportunity that life offers.
“So, I wouldn’t say I’m ambitious, but I want to be ready for whatever life throws at me,” he said. “I’ve always had to work a lot harder to fit in and prove I am as capable as anyone else.
“I think I’m very happy right now as I’ve marked off many things from my ‘bucket list’ this year.”
While Todd’s next goals include trialling for a local NBL team and one day starting his own business, for now he’s content focusing on his two passions: work and basketball.
“Completing an apprenticeship [has] opened up doors to travel overseas, as I now have qualifications and can go anywhere, slot in, and start work.
“But for now, I’m staying working for my boss, Rex. He’s a great guy and I love working for him and I love what I do.”
BY KELLEY TANTAU
