Fosters’ young gun Steel Construction NZ Apprentice of the Year!
A talented Foster Engineering apprentice and former Hamilton Boys’ High student is making waves in the structural steel world, taking home the 2024 Steel Construction NZ Apprentice of the Year Award.
Reegan’s epic win celebrates hardworking fabricators who not only smash it at the worksite but also bring creativity, commitment, and quick thinking to the table. It’s proof that with skills, drive, and a can-do attitude, you can achieve amazing things in this fast-paced industry.
If you’ve ever thought about a hands-on, high-energy career, the construction sector might be where it’s at!…
Reegan Glass
Fabrication Tradesperson
Reegan’s Highlight at fosters
A memorable project was making a staircase a few years back, because this was one of the first jobs where I was given the plans and left to make it by myself. It’s so rewarding to see something installed when it’s complete.
More from our chat with reegan
Reegan Glass
Fabrication Tradesperson
Former Hamilton Boys’ High School Student
What does it mean to be a Fabricator?
Fabrication involves working with a variety of different metals to create a final product. There are a variety of tasks we complete day to day. This can involve stainless steel, aluminium, and mild steel to create handrails, signs, balustrades, and staircases.
In my role, I do a lot of heavier structural work using mild steel and welding this together. Sometimes though, I’m working with sheet metals and folding and joining with bolts and rivets.
How did you get into this line of work?
Growing up and in school I was always drawn to hands-on work and really enjoyed taking metal tech and graphic design in high school. I knew of Fosters through family connections and started working here after school as a labourer. Once I finished school I wanted to do a fabrication apprenticeship, so spoke to Fosters about this possibility and have been here ever since.
What do you love about your job?
A highlight for me is the variety of work we get to do; I am not always stuck making the same thing repeatedly. Across the year, I will work at multiple tasks and rarely do the same job twice.
What are some of the challenges you have had?
The main challenge we find on every job is that it doesn’t go exactly to plan. Often there are small design flaws, so it won’t work how we intended. Even when we are out on the job and trying to install something, you might find it doesn’t go as planned. This involves problem solving to find a new solution and having the mindset of not giving up, or not letting the job beat you. It can get frustrating, and I have definitely experienced that, but you have to accept these challenges as they come.
What do you like most about working at Fosters?
The team at Fosters is a good bunch of guys who you get to work with. It makes it a lot more enjoyable to come to work with people you consider friends.
The jobs we do – there are a lot of projects around Hamilton that we are involved in. It is cool knowing you were a part of that process and had your own input in some way.
Reegan’s top tips
What sort of person is suited to this type of work?
A key part of this role is being a forward thinker, having self-motivation and being willing to absorb all the information to learn from what’s around you. Even after completing my training, I am still learning so much on the job and this doesn’t stop. Being a forward thinker allows you to look and plan ahead, see what the next steps in the job or your career may be, and what you are working towards.
What school subjects have you found helpful?
I was introduced to working with metals through metal tech and understood how to interpret drawings from graphic design, so both of these subjects are useful. Otherwise, it is always good to have maths as this is something we use with equations and measurements. Physics and chemistry can also be helpful – just as a base of how materials behave.
What is your top tip for someone new to this job?
You are never going to understand everything straight away, so take the time to learn and absorb information. It won’t always be smooth sailing – it’s important to learn from your mistakes, understand what went wrong and how you avoid that next time. There is no better feeling than having overcome a challenge to complete a difficult job.
What do you wish you knew before leaving school?
I wish I appreciated how relaxed the school environment was and made the most of being there before rushing into work. Also, to just make the most of the opportunities you are given. You might not realise at the time but a lot of stuff you learn at school can be applied to the workforce.
What advice do you have for managing stress and keeping balanced?
Just remembering it is a job at the end of the day. If something goes wrong or you have a bad day, you need to go home, relax and not let it beat you. Finding hobbies and hanging out with mates outside of work will give you time to refresh and come back to work with a clear head.
Reegan won the prestigious Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) Apprentice of the Year 2024. This is an award that is to someone who has completed their apprenticeship and displays a passion for their craft. Reegan showcased his skill and dedication across the course of his apprenticeship, demonstrating his commitment to excelling in his role
About Fosters
Fosters have a 50+ year legacy as leaders in both business and commercial construction, committed to enhancing their local communities and building sustainably.
Working across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, Fosters employs more than 200 people – from labourers, carpenters, and site managers, through to quantity surveyors, support staff and senior management. They cover property development, construction, engineering (steel fabrication), and ongoing building maintenance.
Building the construction industry with enthusiastic young people, driven to succeed, has been part of the Fosters’ way since the business was founded. Today, apprentices make up just over a tenth of the Fosters’ workforce.
For more info: fosters.co.nz
Grab a Snapshot of Reegan’s Career Profile
