Apprentice of the Year 2026 - Entries Open
 

Apprentice of the Year 2026

Do you have an apprentice
ready to level up?

Encourage them to enter Apprentice of the Year and test their skills alongside the best carpentry apprentices in New Zealand!

Enter here

 

Why encourage your apprentice to enter?

Apprentice of the Year challenges apprentices across written submissions, practical builds, interviews, and site visits - reflecting the real skills needed on site, and to be a leader.

It’s a chance for apprentices to build confidence, gain industry recognition, and take the next step in their careers.

And for employers, it’s a great way to showcase the strength of your team.

Learn how the competition works

 

What apprentices can gain

  • Confidence and professional growth
  • Career development opportunities
  • Great connections and friendships across the industry
  • An awesome range of prizes - including a high-spec ute for a year for the national winner, thanks to CARTERS
  • And an unforgettable experience!

See what’s up for grabs

 

Resources for success

We’ve created a range of tools to help apprentices put together a strong entry.

On the website you’ll find:

  • 2026 Apprentice of the Year Entry Guide
  • Examples of past project submissions
  • Plans from previous practical challenges

View entry resources

 

Join the “How to Succeed” webinar -
Mon 9 March

Thinking about entering?

Join our How to Succeed online webinar and hear directly from the competition team, judges, and past entrants about what makes a strong entry.

Mon 9 March
4:00pm
Online

Register here

 

Is your apprentice eligible?

They must:

Have completed at least 18 months of their New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry L4 by 12 April 2026

Still be an apprentice when entries close - 12 April 2026

 

They can enter a maximum of two times, provided they have not been a national finalist

Open to all carpentry apprentices, regardless of employer or training provider

See the Terms & Conditions

 

Challenge your apprentice to level up!

Apprentice of the Year is more than a competition — it’s a confidence boost, a career step-up, and a chance to prove what they’re capable of.

Entries are open 5 March – 12 April.

Enter Apprentice of the Year

 

To enter or for more information go to apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz or contact us on 0800 762 328.

 
 
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