Building

Cam saw a young man that was practical, liked tough physical work and being outdoors – all the attributes Rhys has developed for training to become a professional rugby player with the Wellington Rugby Academy, which are also great for building!

“Rhys had been struggling with injuries with his rugby and saw another way with building.  He was motivated and hard working – he was perfect,” says Cam.  “We knew each other through rugby but if you meet someone who’s that motivated to learn and it works out, it’s great,” he says.

Cam believes that employers must teach as much as they can but a Modern Apprentice must be willing to learn because “there’s a lot to absorb”.

In 2003 Rhys travelled to England to play rugby, and then spent 2004/2005 studying for a Diploma in Exercise Science at University.  Now as part of his agreement with the Wellington Rugby Academy to provide a tertiary training, he’s 2 and half years into a National Certificate in Carpentry.

Rhys and his wife Virginia live in their own home in Newlands, Wellington and hope to travel and one day own their own building business.

“The finish is the best, when you see what you’ve done and you look and think ‘how did I do that’.  When I first started I’d see builders work and think ‘how the hell am I ever going to do that?’  But now I just do it, it’s just second nature.  It’s amazing, it’s a good feeling,” says Rhys.

Rhys believes that training to become a builder has given him something to fall back on other than rugby. He says with injuries it is always good to have a long term plan.

“It’s more satisfying building than playing rugby because my building will last forever but the rugby can’t,” says Rhys.