LoginI'm an ApprenticeI'm an Employer

HOW TO SUCCEED

Not sure what to expect? You’re in the right place. This page is here to help you put your best foot forward at every stage of Apprentice of the Year.

From submitting your entry and tackling the practical challenge to interviews and site visits, you’ll find tips, guidance, and resources to help you prepare, stay confident, and show the judges what you can do.

"How to Succeed" Online Webinar - watch the recording

Download Entry Tips + Recommendations (PDF 668KB)

 

STAGE 1

WRITTEN APPLICATION

This is where you lock in your entry. You’ll complete an online entry form and upload your project submission. You can log in as many times as you like until entries close - just remember to click Update after any changes, and look for the green tick showing sections are complete.

What you need to complete your application

 

Personal information

Who you are and where you’re from, and your contact details so we can get in touch.

Employer information

Company name, details, and contact person for your employer. This is who will receive the request to complete your employer reference.

Apprenticeship information

Your training provider, start date of your apprenticeship, and contact details for your training advisor.

You can also include details of any other building qualifications you may have.

Why you?

 

Tell us your story, and why you should be the next Apprentice of the Year.

You’ll need to talk about:

  • Why you choose carpentry as a career.
  • What sets you apart from other apprentices.
  • A time you showcased your leadership skills and/or ability to work as part of a team.
  • What motivates you, and some examples of how you have shown initiative in the workplace.
  • Where you see yourself in 5 years and where you hope your apprenticeship will take you.
  • Why you are entering Apprentice of the Year.

Project Details

This is where you upload details of a project that you are currently working on or have completed while you were training. Try to make it a project that the judges can view for your site visit should you progress to Stage 2 of the competition.

You should talk about:

  • The advanced skills and learning you used on the project.
  • The initiative you showed following plans and working to code specs.
  • You can include photos and plans, however you will need to have your employer's permission, and you might need to get the permission of your client.

Employer Reference

Training Advisor Reference

Requests for these will be sent automatically, using the contact details you have already entered. These references are required for your entry to be accepted, so give your employer and training advisor a heads up, and make sure they complete them promptly.

Site Visit Address (if known)

If you progress to Stage 2 of the competition you will receive a site visit from the judges. Ideally it will be the project you submitted in your written application - although this is not compulsory.

Upload your photo

Provide a head and shoulders photo of yourself to be used at the Regional Awards presentation.

Do:

  • Take the photo against a plain wall
  • Take the photo in landscape
  • Remove hats/sunglasses

Don’t:

  • Take a selfie
  • Use a group shot
  • Hold any props (eg fish, beer, etc)

 

 

Tips for submitting a winning entry:

  • Keep it detailed but concise.
  • Get a second opinion before submitting.
  • Choose a project the judges can view later at a site visit - it helps you tell one consistent story right through.
  • You don’t need perfect writing or a fancy format. Write how you speak, use real examples, and show pride in what you’re learning.

 

 

REGIONAL PRACTICAL CHALLENGE

The Regional Practical Challenge is a two-hour, hands-on build challenge held at a CARTERS store in your region. This is where you showcase your real-world skills - reading the plan, planning your build, working safely, and delivering a clean finish. Judges assess your work based on safety, planning, accuracy, and overall quality.

We can’t tell you what you’ll build on the day, but these examples show the type and scale of recent challenges:

 

2025 Regional Project – Garden Box

Tool list, instructions, + technical sketch.

Download [PDF 528KB]

2024 Regional Project – Bench Seat

Tool list, instructions, + technical sketch.

Download [PDF 584KB]

 

What to expect on the day

 

08:00am Arrival at local CARTERS, coffee and get ready for the challenge
08:45am Get ready to find out what you're going to be building
09:00am National Timers start across the country at the same time
11:00am TIME'S UP and TOOLS DOWN
11:30am Final Pack up - all hands on deck
12:00pm Presentation for Apprentices and event wrap up

 

Results from the Regional Practical are accumulated by your Branch Administrator and scores are added to over all scored to determine the regional Top 10 moving onto the next stage.

 

What the judges look for:

  • Strong health & safety habits
  • Smart time management
  • Building to the plans
  • Solid technique, and a clean finish
  • Prioritise safety and accuracy first. A tidy workflow and calm pacing usually beats rushing.

 

 

STAGE 2

INTERVIEW + SITE VISIT

If you make the Top 10 for your region, you’ll be interviewed and host judges on a site visit.This is about how you communicate, how you think, and how you show professionalism on site. The judging panel is made up of representatives from: Master Builders BCITO CARTERS

Be ready to explain why you entered, what you want to gain, what work you’ve been involved in, and how you handle safety, planning, and working with others.

Tips for acing your interview + site visit:

  • Dress to impress
  • Brush up on your building code
  • No really, brush up on your building code
  • Come prepared to talk through your project submission and specifically about your involvement.

 

 


HOW SCORING WORKS

Your overall regional result is based on four parts to recognise apprentices who are strong on the tools and can also communicate and act professionally. Judges are looking for competence, clarity, and real on-site understanding.

STAGE 1

Written application + project submission - 20%

Professionalism/presentation, project submission quality, detail & comprehension, and your “Why you?” story.

Practical challenge - 35%

Health & Safety, planning, building to plans, completeness, and standard of finish.

 

STAGE 2

Site visit - 20%

Construction/presentation, quality of work, your hand tool kit, on-site attitude, Health & Safety, and teamwork/reliability.

Interview - 25%

Personal + communication, how you explain your project, and industry knowledge (best practice, safety, materials, compliance).

 

 

Ready for the next stage?

Keep an eye on what's coming up and make sure you're ready for the next challenge.

Key dates + events

 

Owned By Registered Master Builders

Principal Partner Carters

Event Partners BCITO logo Builders Academy logo

Regional Sponsor BCITO logo