Apprentice of the Year is a step-by-step challenge that starts with an online entry, runs through regional judging, and can take you all the way to the national final. You’ll be assessed on practical skill, how you think, and how you show up on site and in an interview.
The written application is where you show judges who you are on and off the tools. You’ll answer a few questions about your goals, attitude and the way you work with others, then walk through a real project you’ve been involved in — what you did, what you learned, and how you solved problems along the way.
Tips for submitting a winning application
The Regional Practical Challenge is a two-hour, hands-on build challenge held at a CARTERS store in your region.
It all happens in one day, under time pressure, and focuses on 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.
Find event details for your region See previous practical projects
Your score is tallied after the regional practical competition and combined with the score for your written submission.
Only the Top 10 scoring apprentices from each region move through to Stage 2.
To ensure a fair, balanced, and well-run Apprentice of the Year competition, the following process will be used to determine which region each apprentice represents:
1. Entering by region
When you enter Apprentice of the Year, you’ll nominate the region where you’re currently based. You’ll work with your local Master Builders branch to prepare and submit your entry. This means you’re supported by the branch that best understands your location and circumstances.
2. Review after entries close
Once entries have closed and final numbers are confirmed across all regions, Master Builders will review how entrants are distributed nationwide.
3. Possible reassignment to a nearby region
To keep the competition fair and balanced, some apprentices may be reassigned to a neighbouring region if needed. Reassignments only happen when necessary. Decisions are based on geographical proximity, and you’ll remain reasonably local. Any additional travel costs caused by the move will be reimbursed by Master Builders.
4. Change of main contact
If you’re reassigned to another region, your main point of contact will change to the branch running the competition in that region. This helps ensure clear communication and smooth coordination.
5. Why reassignments may happen
Reassignments are only made to:
6. Transparency and communication
If a reassignment is required:
This process is designed to be transparent and fair. If you’re reassigned, your main point of contact may change (see section 4).
Each regional Top 10 apprentice will have an interview and site visit with their regional judging panel.
The judging panel is made up of representatives from:
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.
Placegetters are announced at regional awards events. Each region awards a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Regional winners head to Auckland for the National Final.
The Apprentice of the Year National Final is a two-day experience that puts finalists to the test.
It includes another hands-on build challenge and interviews with the national judging panel, before wrapping up at the National Awards Gala, where 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place are revealed.
Our national finalists are given the chance to take part in a transformative 16-day Outward Bound adventure in the stunning Marlborough Sounds. The program includes challenging activities such as sailing, tramping, rock climbing, and kayaking, all designed to push participants out of their comfort zones.
.jpg)
