Apprentice Challenge 2025 National Final – Event Details

The New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge National Final, presented in partnership with BCITO, will be held on 6–7 June at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton. The event runs alongside the NZCB Annual Conference, attended by over 400 industry professionals.

All nineteen finalists earned their place at the national final by winning their regional heats in April. Now in its fifteenth year, the NZCB Apprentice Challenge tests the practical skills and qualities expected of professional builders as they compete for the national title.

Over two days, finalists will take part in a four-part competition that assesses their practical skills, communication, and career readiness.

Key event times:

Hands-on building competitions:

Friday 6 June: 11:45 AM and 1:45 PM

Saturday 7 June: 10:30 AM

Finalist presentations:

Saturday 7 June: 1:05 PM – 2:05 PM

National Winner announcement

The National Champion will be announced at the NZCB Gala Dinner on Saturday night, taking home the prestigious Ken Read Memorial Trophy and a share in a prize pool valued at up to $20,000.

Competition format

Finalists are assessed across four components:

Practical Skills Test – A timed, hands-on carpentry challenge using a toolkit provided by Materials Partner Mitre 10. Task details will be revealed to apprentices on the day

Panel Interview – Finalists will meet one-on-one with judges to discuss values, goals, and leadership potential

Project Presentation – A short presentation covering their career journey and community engagement

CV & Portfolio Submission – A professionally prepared showcase of their work to date

About the Challenge

One hundred apprentices across 19 regions competed in the regional heats on 12 April. Apprentices completed an intensive 8-hour build challenge, constructing a planter box to showcase their craftsmanship and problem-solving under pressure. Each planter box was gifted back to local community groups. The regional champions from these heats progressed to the national final.

The competition is unique in its focus on hands-on building challenges that replicate real-world tasks and expectations. Because NZCB only accepts members who hold recognised trade qualifications, the Challenge reflects the high standards of professionalism, craftsmanship, and problem-solving required to become a Certified Builder.

Why do apprentices enter?

Winning the challenge, or winning in your region, stands out on the CV. For an apprentice, it’s an invaluable opportunity to meet other young builders, and community and industry leaders.

Many builders who are alumni of the challenge now own their own construction business and encourage their apprentices to enter. There’s significant (but friendly) competition at stake, along with bragging rights for the region the winner hails from.

About NZCB

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) represents 3,000 members who construct high-quality homes for everyday New Zealanders. It’s the only builder association in New Zealand with strict entry criteria that requires all members to hold a recognised industry trade qualification in carpentry. This means homeowners can rely on NZCB builders to produce high quality new builds and renovations, backed by the 10-Year Halo Guarantee.

About BCITO

The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) is New Zealand’s leading building and construction apprenticeship provider. It is proudly New Zealand owned and with a 34-year track record, it is a trusted partner in the sector, delivering over 55,000 trade qualified professionals in 16 different trades.

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