A scholarship journey into timber structure detailing
When Joseph Hamilton finished university, he imagined a future as a sculptor for Weta Workshop. Instead, he found his way into a part of construction that most people never see, but every new home relies on timber structure detailing.
Today, Joseph is a senior detailer and production manager at Prenail Frames and Trusses in the South Island. In 2025, with support from a Construction Growth Foundation (CGF) scholarship, he completed a Diploma in Timber Structure Detailing through BCITO.
An unexpected path into construction
Joseph graduated with a Bachelor of Creative Technologies from Weltec in 2016, having worked part time as a glazier while he studied. Needing a full-time job, he joined family friends Phil and Sharlene at Prenail, their family business, to train as a timber structure detailer.
He began on the factory floor, working for two years as a frame and truss fabricator while completing his Frame and Truss Manufacturing Certificate through BCITO. After moving into estimating, he progressed to detailing and is now in his fifth year in that role. This year, he took on a senior role training the team.
Along the way, Joseph has ridden out the pandemic and the economic pressure that followed.
He explained, "I've experienced both sides of the boom-bust cycle, which in itself has taught me a lot about myself and how I show up, not only in my workplace or industry but in all areas of my life."
Backed to take the next step
Prenail is a member of the Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA), one of CGF's member associations, and it was Phil who first told Joseph about the CGF scholarship.
"Phil encouraged me to apply. He motivated me to keep striving, so I did," says Joseph.
With a family to support, an uncertain economy and rising living costs, Joseph saw the scholarship as a way to build stability.
"Knowing I had this financial cushion helped take the edge off and allowed me to focus on pushing through the hardship and getting qualified."
Growing through a testing time
Late last year brought a testing stretch: the largest, most complex project of Joseph's career, alongside his personal life was going through some big changes. Looking back, he sees it as a turning point.
"Now that the dust has settled, I see those lessons as blessings. I've learnt to be resilient and more disciplined, and those experiences equipped me with better leadership skills that I use every day to work with and train our team."
Seeing the bigger picture
Leading up to graduation, a BCITO tutor helped Joseph see the true weight of his work.
"People need housing, and housing needs to be built efficiently. The decisions I make have a real downstream impact on the whole construction project."
He applies his full skill set every day and says the qualification gives him confidence to solve problems before they arise. His studies also taught him that clear communication is essential and that people are more willing to solve problems together than he expected.
Training the next generation
Today, his focus is building a positive team culture driven by a growth mindset.
"Working with people is where my heart is. I would like to develop a comprehensive training resource to train quality detailers. The student should always surpass the teacher."
In the longer term, Joseph hopes to become an advocate for better processes and efficiencies in timber structure design and detailing.
"Just do it"
His advice to others is heartfelt.
"A builder once told me, 'Every day's a school day.' Don't sell yourself short or shy away from making mistakes. It's one step in front of the other; you figure it out as you go," he says. "It was a privilege to receive a scholarship and be acknowledged for the part I play in the construction industry. So just do it. You'll make it work."
Joseph's story shows that the path into construction is not always a straight line, and that the right support at the right time can help turn a difficult chapter into a foundation for leadership.
Congratulations, Joseph, on completing your Diploma in Timber Structure Detailing.
Find out more about CGF scholarships and training support.