Last weekend building apprentices put their skills to the test at the southern heat at Carters Wānaka.
The southern practical challenge took place on Saturday June 13 where apprentices were tasked to build a project box.
Master Builders chief executive Ankit Sharma said they see the competition as a journey.
"We want to invest in building leadership skills, we need young, talented people to enter into our industry and we need to provide them pathways and opportunities for them to succeed.
"We specifically focus on leadership skills because we know that these young people will eventually become site managers, business owners and industry leaders," he said.
Mr Sharma said apprentices submitted written entries outlining who they are on and off the tools.
"They’ll also do a submission where they answer a few questions about their goals, attitudes, the way they work with others and walk through a real project they’ve been involved in.
"The second step is what happens on the weekend, a two-hour hands-on building challenge — we are looking at their planning, accuracy, safety and workmanship skills and the pressure.
"From here the top performers go through site visits and interviews with the judges," he said.
National President at Master Builders Kieran Mallon said the competition was also a chance to celebrate apprentices building their careers in the region.
"Southern apprentices often work in demanding conditions that require adaptability, problem-solving and pride in workmanship.
"Apprentice of the Year provides an opportunity to showcase those skills and recognise the next generation of industry leaders," he said.
A media release from Master Builders said 95 apprentices across nine regions competed in the regional competitions in New Zealand.
"Following the regional practical challenges in the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition, a maximum of the top 10 apprentices in each region move on to site visits and interviews with judges," it said.
The winners will be announced at the Southern regional awards on August 7.
The regional winner will then go on to represent the region at the National Final in Auckland from October 7 to 9.
