At only 19 years old, Hayden Washington took third place in the regional heats for the 2026 New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge.
Mr Washington works as an apprentice for Gale Builders in Timaru.
The Mid-South Canterbury heat was won by Ashburton’s 22-year-old Jayden Marshall, who took home a $1000 prize package, courtesy of Mitre 10 Trade and Makita, and second place went to Hamish O’Reilly, 20, also from Ashburton.
The challenge tested apprentices’ carpentry skills in a head-to-head, eight-hour build of a pātaka (community sharing cupboard).
Judges evaluated workmanship, joint accuracy, material efficiency, safe working practices, and the ability to follow a detailed plan.
Apprentices built in a public setting, working under time pressure while employers, colleagues, and family watched to see who would come out on top.
In a statement, NZCB chief executive Malcolm Fleming said the event built confidence in emerging builders and could be a pivotal milestone early on in their careers.
"We’ve got apprentices here who show real potential to lead the industry as trade-qualified, certified builders.
"Against the backdrop of a difficult few years in the sector, the challenge is a reminder that the industry has a bright future and that we must keep investing in our apprentices."
Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) chief executive Jason Hungerford, an event partner, said the Challenge was a real-world testament to the hard work invested by both employers and apprentices.
"The Challenge gives apprentices the chance to test their skills, sharpen their craft, and stand out in the industry. It also reflects the dedication of the employers, training advisers, and whānau who have put time and resources into developing the next generation of tradespeople.
"Many of our BCITO apprentices were encouraged to participate in the challenge by their employers, and we’re excited to see now what all the participants will do with that opportunity."
Mitre 10 head of trade Mark Moffitt, whose organisation partners with Makita to provide prizes for the challenge, said the experience was a rewarding one.
"We’re pleased to be a major sponsor of this year’s challenge. Hosting most of the regional heats and providing a space for apprentices to showcase their skills was a great way to engage with the builders of the future."
The national final will take place at the NZCB annual conference on June 5 and 6, where finalists would compete in Auckland at the final hour-long build and present to hundreds of leaders in the trade.
The overall winner would take home a $10,000 prize package, thanks to Mitre 10 Trade, and the winning title as the country’s best apprentice. — Allied Media
