It’s time to throw your hard hat in the ring for this year’s Apprentice of the Year.
Roll up, apprentices! It’s time to back yourself by putting your name, or that of a star apprentice on your site, forward for the 2026 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year, in partnership with CARTERS.
The annual competition recognises excellence among carpentry apprentices and raises awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry. Entries are now open until 12 April 2026 for the competition, which involves interviews, practical heats and finals across the country, throughout the year.
Competition owner, Master Builders, says, “As an apprentice, you are the future of our industry. Apprentice of the Year challenges you to step up and show what you’re capable of - from hands-on craftsmanship to project management, business thinking, and presenting your work with confidence.”
The competition is open to ALL carpentry apprentices of ALL ages - and you don’t have to work for a Master Builder or be trained by a specific training provider.
Employers – nominate now
Apprentice of the Year is a great opportunity to recognise the industry’s most talented apprentices and celebrate you, their employers, who are supporting and growing 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, 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 with accommodation and breakfast.
Foster Construction’s Adam Findlay, employer of 2024 Apprentice of the Year Hunter Moon, said,
“It was inspiring to see how Hunter embraced each challenge, demonstrating exceptional skills and a positive attitude throughout the process.”
Following Hunter’s win, the 2025 the title went to Waikato’s Josh Gullery of JCC Build.
"I just wanted to give it a crack and see how I stood up against the best,” says Josh. “The whole process pushes you out of your comfort zone. It makes you tighten up your skills, your planning, and how you run a job day to day. If you’re thinking about entering in 2026, get a good crew around you and back yourself. It was more about proving to myself what I could achieve.”
For JCC Build Director Will Johnston, seeing Josh take out the top spot was a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence.
“Supporting Josh through this journey wasn't just about the win; it was about fostering a culture where our JCC Build team are inspired to reach their full potential,” says Will.
“Seeing Josh go into Nationals with that level of resolve and seeing his hard work pay off was incredibly rewarding. For any employer, this competition is an invaluable investment in your people and the future of the industry.”
Who will be the next apprentice to follow in Hunter and Josh’s winning footsteps? Apprentice of the Year isn't just a title - it also comes with a $5,000 career advancement grant and a high-spec ute for a year, courtesy of CARTERS.
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