From here the judging process begins, and is made up of the following stages.
Written Application
It all starts here - points are allocated for the quality of your initial entry, so take your time with it. You will be marked on your project submission and your ‘why me’ write up.
Get your entry finished before 12 April.
Complete a two-hour practical challenge at a CARTERS* store in your region on Friday 7 June. The locations will be decided based on entrant numbers in the area. We recommend you arrive early, as all apprentices MUST report to their designated CARTERS store on time or will be disqualified from the competition.
*Details will be forwarded to all entrants the week prior to the practical challenge by the regional branch Apprentice of the Year coordinator.
From all the entries in Stage 1, a maximum of ten will be shortlisted to progress to Stage 2 of the competition which will include an interview and a site visit with the regional judging panel.
The judging panel is made up of a regional representative from Registered Master Builders, a training provider, and CARTERS.
This may be carried out the same day as the site visit or an alternative date which will be confirmed with you.
Entrants will be visited onsite by the judging panel to discuss the project and their personal contribution to it.
It is to your advantage to link your site visit to your submission - complete builds can be used.
Please note: your tool kit will be assessed at the site visit and contributes towards your score.
Regional winners and placegetters are announced at award events in your region during August and September.
The regional winners will then go on to compete for the Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year in Partnership with CARTERS – national title - in November.
This two-day event comprises of interviews, the practical event, and the National Awards Gala dinner. The 2024 event will be taking place on 7-8 November in Auckland.
The National Practical will be co-located at CONZTRUCT Auckland North on Thursday 7 November 2024 at Eventfinda Stadium. On 8 November there will be a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel, followed by the National Awards Dinner in the evening.
Your transport and accommodation for the national competition is included. See the Prizes page for more information.
Principal Partner 
Event Partners 
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