With the Apprentice of the Year entries now open for 2024, Ryan Castle talks toJessica Nielsen, the Waikato 2023 Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year. Jess made history as the first woman to reach the final and placed third in the national competition. Despite being the first female finalist, Jessica isn't bothered by the male dominance in the building industry: "I'm just here to do my job." During the conversation, Jess shares her motivations to pursue a career in construction and entering the competition. Her advice to apprentices entering this year: "Don't overthink it. Think of it as just another job with a little bit more time pressure." From balancing her apprenticeship with other interests like skiing and jujitsu to nurturing dreams of building her own house and renovating villas, Jessica's story is full of ambition and opportunity. We are excited to see this young person following her dreams. Entries for the 2024 Apprentice of the Year competition are open from 8 March 2024 to 12 April 2024Register here: https://www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz/login/register/yes/ More information: https://www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz/ Where else you can find us Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/ Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg Twitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ