The NZCB Apprentice Challenge, presented in partnership with BCITO, celebrates up and coming leaders in
the construction sector, puts their carpentry skills to the test and provides an opportunity to connect with local communities.
The NZCB Apprentice Challenge is a celebration of emerging building talent and identifies the future leaders of our industry and New Zealand Certified Builders.
Aside from amazing prizes and the coveted Ken Read Memorial Trophy, taking part in the Apprentice Challenge can help you take your carpentry career to new heights. It’s an invaluable opportunity to meet other apprentices, industry leaders and build your network. It is also a chance to have an impact on your local community. This is more than a build—it’s about giving back.
Entrants compete in an 8-hour practical build at regional heats around the country on Saturday 12 April, with prizes up for grabs for first, second and third placegetters. Up to 22 finalists are invited to the national final at the NZCB Conference and Expo in Hamilton in June where they will compete for the winning title and $10,000 worth of prizes for first place.
The NZCB Apprentice Challenge has always been a platform for showcasing the skills and talents of the building industry’s future professionals.
This year we have introduced a new and exciting element that enhances the competition and strengthens ties across the industry and within local communities.
Check out the 2025 Entry Guide here.
Entrants will compete at regional heats around the country on Saturday 12 April in an 8-hour practical build, creating a project to donate to their local community. Spectators are welcomed at any of the regional heats – find your closest regional heat venue here.
For the 2025 competition, we invited design students from ADNZ to complete concept designs for the Apprentice Challenge.
This competition was run separately from the Apprentice Challenge and played a critical role in shaping the build project. We provided a design brief to ADNZ student members, and entries went through a selection and judging process.
The ADNZ Design Competition winner will have their design brought to life by the apprentices at the regional practical challenge and will be celebrated at the Apprentice Challenge national final during the prizegiving.
Congratulations to Jillian Wilson – Winner of the 2025 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Design Competition!
Aside from amazing prizes, taking part in the Apprentice Challenge can help you take your carpentry career to new heights. It’s an invaluable opportunity to meet other apprentices, industry leaders and build your network. It is also a chance to have an impact on your local community. This is more than a build—it’s about giving back.
All entrants will receive a goodie bag and prizes will be awarded to regional placegetters. Finalists at the national competition will be in to win prizes for first, second and third place as well as the coveted Chairman’s Personality Award.
Thank you to our sponsor family, who make awarding these prizes possible.
The NZCB Apprentice Challenge is brought to life thanks to the support of our sponsor family.
