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Supporting Fresh Talent


Once again, CARTERS are proud to be the principal sponsor of the Registered 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.​​​

Event Dates

ENTRIES FOR 2024 NOW OPEN AND CLOSE ON FRIDAY 12 APRIL 2024.

  • Heads up meetings - Sessions held around the country where you can find out more about the competition
  • Regional practical - Saturday 8 June 2024 at closets participating CARTERS branch.
  • Regional judging and interviews- July and August
  • Regional results and awards - August - September 
  • National final, judging and awards - 7 and 8 November 2024. 

    It will include interviews, a practical event, and the National Awards Gala dinner.

    Members of the public can attend the National Practical Competition on Thursday 7 November at Eventfinda Stadium, co-located at CONZTRUCT Auckland North
     


How it works


How to enter the Apprentice of the Year

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 

Apprentice Entry Guide

Apprentice and Employers Entry Guide – Mandarin Version

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. 

If your apprentice wins their region, you will receive a free ticket to the national awards in Auckland and one nights of accommodation, including breakfast.

Employers Entry Guide

2023 National Winners


Winners: (left to right)
2nd Place - Isaac Posthuma | Northern Region | Employer - JR Build
1st Place - Jack Nevines |  Auckland Region | Employer - Faulkner Construction
3rd Place - Jess Nielsen | Waikato Region | Employer - Sloan Annand Builders

Congratulations to Auckland’s Jack Nevines who has taken out the top spot at the 2023 Apprentice of the Year. 

He is currently employed by Faulkner Construction Auckland, completed his training through BCITO, a business division of Te Pūkenga, and impressed the judges with a faultless interview and did an excellent job in the practical challenge. Jack has excelled in every aspect of this competition and is one of the strongest apprentices the judges have seen during their time. 

Thank you to all the Apprentices for their commitment and passion for the industry and we wish you the best for the a successful future.

2023 Regional Winners


Winners: (left to right)


WAIKATO - Jess Nielson (Sloan Annand Builders)
CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND & EAST COAST /HAWKE’S BAY - Taharangi McWatters (Wayne Bishop Group)
SOUTHERN - Craig Burke (Bayview Construction)
CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND - Jake Rochford (LOC Construction)
AUCKLAND - Jack Nevines (Faulkner Construction)
NORTHERN - Isaac Posthuma (JR Build)
BAY OF PLENTY / CENTRAL PLATEAU - Mike Watson (JBH Building)
COOK STRAIT - Tim Parkinson (RenovateMe Nelson)

Highlights from Apprentice of the Year 2023 National Finals

Video courtesy of Registered Master Builders Association.

CARTERS are proud to partner with the following suppliers for AOY: