Meet your 2025 Apprentice of the Year national champions!

13 October 2025

L to R: Caleb Stuart (A. Knight Design & Build, BCITO), Josh Gullery (JCC Build, BCITO), Jade Murray (Profound Group, BCITO)

The results are in! The 2025 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year has been crowned - shining a spotlight on the outstanding skill, professionalism, and leadership shaping the future of our industry.

Congratulations to Josh Gullery (Waikato) - our 2025 national winner!

2nd place: Caleb Stuart (Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau)
3rd place:  Jade Murray (Central North Island) 

Originally set on becoming a pilot, the disruption of COVID-19 led Josh to honour his late father’s legacy by picking up the tools and forging a new path. At just 22, he topped the practical and interview components - a rare and impressive achievement that made him a true standout.

 

    

 

The judges were impressed by Josh’s structured approach, quick problem-solving, and high standards under pressure: "His passion, leadership, and technical excellence, stood out, making him a future leader who honours the past and inspires the future."

Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year continues to celebrate the talent and skill of carpentry apprentices, and we’d like to extend a massive congratulations to all the apprentices across the country who participated in the competition. Each year, the Master Builders team is amazed by the confidence and capability of the next generation of builders who continue to raise the bar for our industry. 

 

  

 

Runner-up went to Caleb Stuart (pictured left), with Jade Murray (pictured right) taking third place.

Caleb is employed by A. Knight Design & Build in Waihi Beach, and is trained through BCITO. A keen skateboarder and a steady, capable all-rounder, Caleb delivered an outstanding performance in both the practical and interview components of the competition. The judges said: "His thoughtful planning and deep understanding shone, revealing a builder who thrives on complexity and takes pride in his craft – traits that confirm his place as a rising talent in the industry."

Jade is employed by Profound Group in New Plymouth, and is trained through BCITO. The judges were impressed by Jade, a gifted wood carver, as he wowed with his artistry, optimism, and leadership in every project. His interest in building began with a deck he built alongside his dad, and he’s never looked back. The judges said: "Calm, composed, and a real people person, Jade delivered a high-standard project and demonstrated a passion for the industry, which will serve him for years to come." 

 

    

 

This year, the top 7 apprentices from across the country went head-to-head in Auckland after regional competitions saw 97 apprentices put their skills to the test. Over a tough seven-hour practical challenge and 45-minute judges' interview, they proved their mettle - showing off not just technical skill, but project management, communication, and problem-solving excellence. Their practical task? Building 3-metre long wooden trains from plywood and timber, each custom-designed for - and donated to - early childhood centres across Auckland. 

 

    

 

Driving the next generation of builders

Master Builders CEO Ankit Sharma said the Apprentice of the Year competition highlights the importance of maintaining a strong pipeline of skilled tradespeople to support New Zealand’s future growth.

“It is great to see the high calibre of talent on display at this year’s competition reflecting the dedication, skill, and pride apprentices bring to their work. Their achievements highlight the talent driving the future of New Zealand’s construction industry," Sharma said.

“New Zealand’s construction sector is at a turning point. Confidence is returning, and momentum is building, but to deliver the homes, schools, and infrastructure our country needs, we must continue to invest in people. This competition is about celebrating the great talent in the sector and encouraging more people to consider a career in the trades.”

As activity rebounds, Sharma said that members are looking to employ more apprentices, particularly in regions where pipelines are strengthening such as Otago.

“Our members are reporting stronger order books, and they are committed to investing in apprentices to ensure we can meet the next wave of demand. As the industry shifts from survival to delivery, firms need more capable people on the tools to keep pace,” Sharma said. 

Now in its twenty-second year, the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition, in partnership with CARTERS, has recognised apprentices who display outstanding craftsmanship, commitment, and potential. The competition has become a defining milestone for many in their careers, with past competitors going on to become leaders across New Zealand’s building and construction industry.

 

 

Continued support from our sponsors

Apprentice of the Year would not be possible without the loyalty and support of our sponsors. Their investment in the competition and our industry is fantastic and hugely appreciated.

 

 PRINCIPAL PARTNER
  		 

 “CARTERS is proud to partner with the Apprentice of the Year competition, supporting our next generation of skilled builders as they make their mark in the industry.

It’s inspiring to witness apprentices from all around New Zealand putting in the hard work and dedication to excel in this competition; being part of it allows us to celebrate the future talented leaders of our trade.”

Mike Guy
Chief Executive, CARTERS Building Supplies
   
 EVENT PARTNERS
 

 “The Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year competition recognises the incredible talent and skill of our carpentry apprentices. BCITO is proud to support those who are shaping the future of the industry through excellence.

These apprentices are shining examples of exceptional talent that paves the way for other apprentices to follow. Congratulations to all the finalists on their achievements, and their employers for training to such high standards.

My heartfelt thanks to CARTERS and Master Builders for their ongoing commitment to continued recognition of skill development at the highest level.”

Greg Durkin
Director, BCITO


 

 “At Builders Academy NZ, we see firsthand the hard work apprentices put in every day on site, so it’s great to see them get the recognition they deserve. Apprentice of the Year shines a light on the next generation of builders, and we’re proud to back them.”

Kylie Wilson
Chief Executive Officer, Builders Academy NZ 
   
REGIONAL SPONSOR
 

“ACC is proud to be a partner of Apprentice of the Year for the first time this year, to celebrate the incredible skills and achievements of the next generation of builders. We are committed to working with building apprentices and their employers to create safe workplaces by preventing injury, so workers make it home to their whanau safe and injury-free.  

ACC is also dedicated to helping leaders in construction to support their workers recover at work after they’ve been injured. That’s why we partnered with the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year as it provides a valuable opportunity for ACC to engage with employers and their apprentices to continue this important mahi. 

Congratulations to all finalists and winners who set a new benchmark for excellence in this industry.”

Amanda Peart
Manager Business Engagement and Partnerships, ACC

 

For more information go to apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz