How to enter
Who can enter?
Who can enter?
Entries for the 2025 competition have closed. Good luck to all our competitors in the 2025 Apprentice Challenge.
Entry cost
Entry is free for apprentices employed by NZCB members or training through BCITO. For all other apprentices, there is an entry fee of $50.
Entry fees are donated to the NZCB Apprentice Trust.
What to expect:
The Apprentice Challenge will test your carpentry, leadership, client relationship and community engagement skills.
Here’s an overview of what to expect once you enter the Apprentice Challenge:
- Design concept: The design concept is revealed when entries open. This is to give you an idea of what you will be building at the regional heat so you can reach out to your community to find a recipient. This year the project is a modern, durable outdoor vege planter.
- Community engagement: Entrants must find a deserving recipient in their community to donate their finished project to and document the process.
- Build plans: You will get the detailed build plans one week before the regional heat. Judging will determine who makes it through to the national final – results are given on the day of the regional build.
- Final presentation: Finalists will submit their CV and a portfolio of work to date as an apprentice and will present at the NZCB conference, highlighting how they engaged with their local community to donate their build. They will also undertake a formal Interview and trade exam.
The Apprentice Challenge is a chance to push yourself and learn from your experiences – our team will be there to answer any questions you have on your Apprentice Challenge journey.
Entry process
Think you’ve got what it takes to represent your region and make a lasting mark on your community? This is your chance to step up and prove your skills.
Complete the application below and we will be in touch soon!