Challenge complete: Apprentice of the year announced

A clear plan, a strong process and meticulous delivery brought this year’s Apprentice of the Year title home for an Auckland builder.

The 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year title has been awarded to Oliver Wooles. The Auckland region winner took out the national honours at a tightly contested finals weekend, with second place going to Lachy Hughes from Taranaki and Whanganui region, and Central & Upper South Island region’s Dokyun Kim (DK) taking third.

The national final brought together nine regional champions from a field of 95 apprentices across New Zealand. Each earned their place through a rigorous process spanning written submissions, a regional practical challenge, interviews and site visits, before competing for the title at New Zealand’s leading national competition for carpentry apprentices.

The finalists took on a seven-and-a-half-hour practical skills challenge, then faced a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel, testing their understanding of building practices and the Building Code, alongside their communication and project management skills. Working from plans, instructions and a materials list, finalists built a wooden truck, which will be generously donated to early childhood centres across Auckland. Developed with support from past national winners, the challenge put their planning, accuracy and safe working practices to the test, along with their ability to solve problems under pressure.

Oliver was announced as the national winner at the National Awards Gala in Auckland, attended by industry leaders, employers and whānau. Oliver is employed by Harrison Lane and trained through BCITO.

(1st Place - Oliver Wooles | Auckland Region | Employer - Harrison Lane)

A qualified joiner and an apprentice representative on the Master Builders Southern Sub-Branch Executive in Auckland, the judges said, “Oliver embodies the qualities of a future leader in our industry.” What stood out most to them, they said, was his attitude towards learning; he views it as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to developing his skills and knowledge, rather than a finish line.

The national judges said, “His performance in the practical challenge was exceptional. He approached the task with a clear plan, strong process and meticulous execution. Throughout the competition he remained focused, calm and highly detail-oriented, demonstrating both technical excellence and a strong work ethic.”

Master Builders Chief Executive Officer Ankit Sharma said the competition recognised exceptional emerging talent, as well as the commitment of the employers and mentors supporting apprentices throughout their development.

“Reaching the national final is an achievement in itself. To stand out among this calibre of apprentices takes real skill, sound judgement and the ability to deliver quality work under pressure,” Sharma said.

“Building a better New Zealand means developing not just skilled builders, but the people who will lead our industry in the years ahead. Apprentice of the Year is designed to challenge apprentices beyond their technical skills, building their confidence, exposing them to new ideas and giving them the opportunity to learn from others across the industry.”

Master Builders’ 2026 State of the Sector survey found 68% of members had a strong or steady pipeline of work, reinforcing the importance of continuing to invest in skilled people and their development through patchy market conditions.

“Employers and mentors play a vital role in developing these apprentices. The time and expertise they invest help apprentices build their skills and confidence, laying the foundations for successful careers. Continuing that investment through challenging market conditions is essential to building the skilled workforce New Zealand needs,” Sharma said.

Now in its twenty-third year, the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition, in partnership with CARTERS, recognises apprentices who demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship and professionalism. The competition is an important stepping stone for many apprentices in their careers, with former competitors now making their mark as leaders across New Zealand’s building and construction sector.

Runner-up went to Lachy Hughes from the Taranaki & Whanganui region, with DK from the Central & Upper South Island region taking third place.

(2nd Winner - Lachy Hughes | Taranaki & Whanganui Region | Employer - Form Building)

Already qualified as a boat builder and aluminium joiner, Lachy’s journey reflects his determination to find the trade best suited to his skills and passion. While the judges valued Lachy’s thoughtful, analytical approach to learning, they equally valued his focus on people and working towards shared goals. He combined skill, dedication and professionalism with humility and a strong sense of purpose, and his strong performance across the competition made him a worthy second-place winner.

(3rd Winner - Dokyun Kim | Central & Upper South Island Region | Employer - Laing Properties)

The judges were impressed by DK’s outstanding combination of determination, ambition and character throughout his journey to the building industry. At just 17 years old, he left South Korea to study overseas and learn English on his own, and in the same year completed the trek to Everest Base Camp. In the practical challenge, he demonstrated excellent planning, a thoughtful and structured approach, and a strong standard of workmanship, representing both himself and his employer exceptionally well.

CARTERS Chief Executive Officer Craig Banfield said, “CARTERS are proud to support the Apprentice of the Year competition for the 23rd year running. Apprentices are the future of our industry, and it’s fantastic to see the passion, commitment, and pride they bring to their work.

“We’re incredibly proud to play a part in encouraging and celebrating the next generation of skilled builders as they grow their careers and make their mark on our industry,” Banfield said.

Alongside use of a new Ford Ranger Hybrid Stormtrak ute courtesy of South Auckland Motors for a year and a $5,000 CARTERS Career Advancement Grant, the national winner also receives a $10,000 cash prize from the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, which has introduced $23,000 worth of cash prizes to the national competition for the first time.