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Supporting Fresh Talent


Once again, CARTERS are proud to be the principal sponsor of the Master Builders’ Apprentice of the Year competition. This leading apprentice competition recognises excellence among carpentry apprentices and raises awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry.​​​

Entries for the 2026 competition are open now.

START YOUR ENTRY HERE

Upcoming Event Dates

  • Heads Up Session - Monday 9 March 2026 - See details below
  • Entries Open - Thursday 5 March 2026
  • Entries Close - Sunday 12 April 2026
  • Regional Practicals - Saturday 13 June 2026 across New Zealand
  • Regional Judging and Interviews - July and August 2026
  • Regional Awards - August and September 2026
  • National Final, Judging and Awards - 7-9 October 2026 in Auckland
    National finals include interviews, a practical event, and the National Awards Gala dinner. Members of the public can attend the National Practical Competition at The Cloud on Friday 8 October.

Check out the 2026 Entry Guide below.

Join the Heads Up Session

Master Builders is holding a Heads Up Session for apprentices, employers and anyone in the industry wanting to learn more about the Apprentice of the Year competition.

Join us online 4pm Monday 9 March on Teams
After registering, a link will be sent out to attendees.

Register for the Apprentice of the Year Heads Up Session

The session, hosted by Charlotte Beauchamp - Master Builders Head of Competition, will cover:

  • What to expect when entering
  • What the judges are looking for
  • The benefits for both apprentices and employers
  • Insights from:
    • Last year’s regional judges
    • The 2025 National Apprentice of the Year, Josh Gullery
  • Time for questions at the end

See you online.

How it works

Details

Why Enter?

  • Build confidence in yourself and your skills and see how you measure up against other apprentices 
  • Receive recognition of your skills, which is valuable for future employment opportunities 
  • Get a head start on business skills, through the entry process of being interviewed and undertaking a site visit 
  • Pick up some great prizes at the Regional and National competitions 

What's in it for Employers?

This is a great opportunity to celebrate you, the employer, for investing in apprentices and giving back to New Zealand’s construction industry. It showcases what a great employer looks like and the benefits to your business of mentoring the sector's talent. 

There are a range of great benefits for you for taking part in the competition, including:

  • Recognition as a great employer for helping your apprentice realise and reach their potential
  • Meeting and networking with industry leaders
  • Acknowledgement for the role you are playing in the future of the industry
  • Attract new talent by showing that you value your staff and the future of the industry
  • Gain exposure for your business for having a top apprentice
  • Be in the running for an Employer's Award for mentoring a winning apprentice. 

START YOUR ENTRY HERE

Highlights from 2025 Apprentice of the Year National Finals

2025 National Winners

1st Place - Josh Gullery |  Waikato Region | Employer - JCC Build

Congratulations to Josh Gullery who took home the top spot at the 2025 Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year competition.

Josh Gullery of Waikato has been named the 2025 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year, recognised for his exceptional craftsmanship, technical knowledge, and professionalism. Competing against seven regional champions, Josh topped both the six-hour practical challenge and the national interview, highlighting his precision and problem-solving skills.

Finalists built a three-metre wooden train later donated to Auckland early childhood centres, testing their planning and attention to detail. Josh, employed by JCC Build and trained through BCITO, entered the building industry after COVID-19 disrupted his dream of becoming a pilot, honouring his late father’s legacy.

Runner-up was Caleb Stuart, followed by third-place recipient Jade Murray. All finalists received support and tools from CARTERS supply partners, recognising their dedication and skill overall.

2nd Winner - Caleb Stuart | Bay of Plenty Region | Employer - A Knight Design & Build


3rd Winner - Jade Murray | Central North Island Region | Employer - Profound Group

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Regional Winners - 2025 Apprentice of the Year

CARTERS are proud to partner with the following suppliers for Apprentice Of The Year: