Competition is underway to crown this year’s 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year, with regional rounds giving tradies a chance to shine.
Talented apprentices from nine regions across New Zealand put their skills to the test at the country’s leading national carpentry apprentice competition - the 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year regional practical challenges.
The practical challenges took place on Saturday 13 June at select CARTERS stores in each region, with 95 apprentices getting involved in this year’s competition. Each had two hours to complete a practical build, with the challenge revealed on the morning of the competition, testing their planning, accuracy, safety and workmanship under pressure. The build for this year’s practicals was a project box.
Ahead of the practicals, each apprentice submitted a detailed overview of a building project they are working on. Following the practical challenges, a maximum of 10 apprentices in each region move on to site visits and interviews with judges, before the winners are announced at their respective Regional Awards across August. From there, the regional winner from each region will go on to compete at the National Final in Auckland from 7 to 9 October.
Delivered by Master Builders in partnership with CARTERS, Apprentice of the Year is New Zealand’s leading competition for people in the trades. It recognises and celebrates apprentices who are building strong skills and showing promise as the next generation of builders.
Master Builders CEO Ankit Sharma says the competition is an important way to recognise the talent coming through the sector.
"The practical challenge is a real test of capability. It shows how apprentices plan, problem-solve, work under pressure and take pride in the quality of the finished result.
“Fostering that talent is critical. Building and construction is a major contributor to New Zealand’s economy, and a strong pipeline of skilled people is essential if we are to meet future demand for homes, infrastructure and resilient communities. Congratulations to all the apprentices taking part this year. Their commitment gives us real confidence in the next generation of New Zealand builders.”
Kieran Mallon, National President at Master Builders, says the competition is also a chance to celebrate apprentices building their careers in the region.
“Apprentices are learning their trade in a market that has experienced significant change over recent years. While conditions remain challenging for many businesses, the need for skilled tradespeople remains as important as ever. This competition provides apprentices with an opportunity to demonstrate the skills, resilience and professionalism they are developing.”
All completed entries were presented with a CARTERS Gift Pack after the regional practical challenge. The regional winners receive $2,000 CARTERS credit, the opportunity to attend a 16-day Outward Bound course, a ticket to the National House of the Year gala event, including travel and accommodation, and a place at the National Final.
The national winner will receive a $5,000 Career Advancement Grant from CARTERS and the use of a brand-new ute for one year, courtesy of CARTERS.
For more information about the competition, see:
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