Police Officer Swaps His Badge For Top Flooring Trophies

Clearly, his parents, Tina and Tim Morrison, are teaching him well. Jarrod recently won the Stage Two Apprentice of the Year Award and the Supreme - Scott Cato Trophy (Supreme Award over all categories) at the BCITO 2024 Flooring Awards. To top off an already stellar evening, Tim and Tina were awarded the Wayne Young Employers Trophy.

Jarrod with Greg Durkin and Jeff Henry, CEO of Floor NZ and Allied Trades Institute (ATI)

"Winning was a huge honour. I knew about the Stage 2 award but had no idea about the Supreme Award—it was a total surprise. When my parents also won the employers award, it made it a triple celebration for the Morrison family!" Jarrod recalls.

Harrisons Carpet & Flooring Counties is a franchise that Jarrod's family has run for 19 years. Jarrod’s brothers Andrew and Jack are also part of the close-knit team that installs high-quality flooring across the Franklin and Drury areas.

However, it took a while for Jarrod to realise where his destiny lay. His story is proof that sometimes, the best opportunities were in front of you all along, just waiting for the right moment.

"After leaving the police, I didn't enter the family flooring business. I gave being a locksmith a go, but after two years, I figured it wasn't quite the right fit. My next step led me home. I was the last of us brothers to join, but I found my niche in carpet installation, and everything just clicked," says Jarrod.

Support from his family has been a huge part of his success, as has the training he’s received from BCITO.

"The resources were always available, and my training advisor Shanish Datt, was there whenever I needed help," he adds.

"I think being open-minded and taking in different opinions helped a lot. Everyone works differently, and it's important to find what works best for you."

With his apprenticeship complete and a set of awards under his belt, Jarrod's sights are set on the future. His next goal is to start his own small business as a contractor, building on his growing success.

Jarrod is also keen to encourage others to consider a career in flooring, particularly in light of the shortage of apprentices entering the trade.

"There's a need for more people in the industry, and I hope my journey can inspire at least one person to try it," he says.

"Hard work and persistence are key. You never know what's right for you unless you give it a go."

If Jarrod's journey inspires you and you want to explore a career in the trades, BCITO offers all the resources and support you need to get started.

Learn more about apprenticeship opportunities and how you can kickstart your career by visiting BCITO.