The culmination of the 2025 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year resulted in another winner from the Waikato.
It all came down to building a 3-metre wooden train at the national finals of this year’s Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year competition. And Josh Gullery from Waikato came out on top.
Josh’s outstanding skill, craft, understanding of and commitment to the building trade have won him the 2025 Apprentice of the Year honour, with runner-up spot going to Caleb Stuart from the Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau region, and third place going to Jade Murray from Central North Island.
This year’s national competition brought together the best of the best of Kiwi apprentice builders; seven regional winners selected from a pool of 97 top apprentices from across New Zealand. Over an intense two-days, finalists faced a demanding six-hour practical challenge and a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel.
For the practical build, each apprentice constructed a wooden train from plywood and timber, designed for and donated to early childhood centres across Auckland, creating a lasting gift that will be enjoyed by tamariki for years to come.
The competition culminated at the National Awards Gala in Auckland, where industry leaders, employers, and whānau gathered to celebrate the achievements of the country’s most promising young builders.
The competition tested not only technical skill, but also each apprentice’s understanding of building practices, knowledge of the Building Code, and communication and project management abilities.
Coming onboard offering generous support for the competition were CARTERS supply partners Makita, DeWalt, Toolware, ProChoice Safety Gear, Thorzt, Taurus, Steel Blue and Paslode. To recognise the outstanding effort throughout the competition, Paslode rewarded each of the finalists with the new Paslode FrameMaster NightWolf, one of the tools used in the final practical challenge.
Winner Josh is employed by JCC Build and completed his training through BCITO. Originally set on becoming a pilot, the disruption of COVID-19 led Josh to honour his late father’s legacy by picking up the tools and forging a new path. At just 22, he topped the practical and interview components - a rare and impressive achievement that made him a true standout.
The judges said they were impressed by Josh’s structured approach, quick problem-solving, and high standards under pressure. Furthermore, they felt his passion, leadership, and technical excellence, stood out, making him a future leader who honours the past and inspires the future.
Master Builders Chief Executive Officer Ankit Sharma said the Apprentice of the Year competition highlights the importance of maintaining a strong pipeline of skilled tradespeople to support New Zealand’s future growth.
“New Zealand’s construction sector is at a turning point. Confidence is returning, and momentum is building, but to deliver the homes, schools, and infrastructure our country needs, we must continue to invest in people. This competition is about celebrating the great talent in the sector and encouraging more people to consider a career in the trades.”
As activity rebounds, Sharma said that members are looking to employ more apprentices, particularly in regions, where pipelines are strengthening such as Otago. “Our members are reporting stronger order books, and they are committed to investing in apprentices to ensure we can meet the next wave of demand. As the industry shifts from survival to delivery, firms need more capable people on the tools to keep pace,” Sharma said.
Now in its 22nd year, the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition, in partnership with CARTERS, has recognised apprentices who display outstanding craftsmanship, commitment, and potential. The competition has become a defining milestone for many in their careers, with past competitors going on to become leaders across New Zealand’s building and construction industry.
CARTERS Building Supplies Chief Executive Mike Guy commended the outstanding talent showcased in this year’s competition and reaffirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting apprentices as they begin their careers.
“It’s inspiring to witness apprentices from all around New Zealand putting in the hard work and dedication to excel in this competition; being part of it allows us to celebrate the future talented leaders of our trade,” says Mike.
Josh received a range of great prizes to acknowledge his win including the use of a brand new Ford Ranger XLT Double Cab Ute for one year, proudly provided by CARTERS, and a CARTERS Business Tools Grant of $5,000 to further his career.
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