Meet your 2026 Manawatū and
Taranaki & Whanganui 
Apprentice of the Year champions!

Manawatū

Winner - Corbyn Trembath

Employer - K Amey Construction
Training provider - BCITO

Corbyn’s submission was personal and engaging, with his passion for the trade coming through clearly. His project on his parents’ home provided a strong example of the importance of preparation and finishing, with the timber ceiling work standing out as a particularly impressive piece of craftsmanship.

Corbyn’s interview was one of his strongest stages. He presented as thoughtful and well organised, answering the technical questions with confidence and demonstrating a strong understanding of compliance. The judges also noted the determination he has shown in returning to the trade after overcoming personal challenges. During the site visit, Corbyn continued to demonstrate his practical knowledge while working alongside his employer. In the practical challenge, he was well prepared and completed the task in a methodical and organised manner. Corbyn’s resilience, capability and genuine commitment to the trade shone throughout the competition, making him a highly deserving regional winner. Congratulations, Corbyn.

Second Place - Angus Hodgson

Employer - Narley Construction
Training provider - BCITO

Angus’ submission was highly detailed and personal, clearly showing his passion for the industry and his drive to keep improving. He demonstrated a strong understanding of the techniques used on his project and, importantly, why they were required. His future goals also stood out, particularly his desire to pass on his knowledge and support other apprentices as he progresses in the trade.

During the interview, Angus communicated openly and thoughtfully, showing a sound understanding of compliance and the challenges he had worked through. His explanation of the build during the site visit was a real strength, with clear detail around the construction stages and health and safety processes. In the practical challenge, Angus showed resilience and problem-solving, and worked effectively to deliver a completed project. His passion, technical understanding and determination give him a strong foundation for continued success in the industry. Well done, Angus.

Third Place - Ben Stewart

Employer - Colspec Construction
Training provider - BCITO

Ben’s submission was highly detailed and showed a strong understanding of a complex, once-in-a-lifetime project. He clearly explained the different stages of the build and the technical challenges involved, while his decision to pursue a career he is genuinely passionate about reflected real determination and character.

Ben’s confidence and energy came through strongly in the interview. He spoke enthusiastically about his work and demonstrated a genuine pride in getting the fundamentals right, including the less appealing parts of the job such as steel fixing and concrete work. During the site visit, he showed strong ownership of the project and clear leadership potential. In the practical challenge, Ben took time to read the plans carefully and even tested screw tension on waste timber before proceeding, showing good practical judgement. His enthusiasm and commitment to quality give him a bright future. Great work, Ben.

Taranaki & Whanganui

Winner - Lachy Hughes

Employer - Form Building
Training provider - BCITO

Lachy’s submission demonstrated a strong understanding of his project and explained the construction processes and challenges involved. He showed sound technical knowledge across the build, while his interview reflected a calm and professional approach. The judges were particularly impressed by his knowledge of the Building Code and his willingness to keep developing his understanding of the wider regulatory environment.

His site visit highlighted the valuable experience Lachy has gained on a technically demanding highperformance home. He confidently explained features including the wall system, airtightness cavities and structural details, while also discussing how roof framing had pushed him outside his comfort zone. The judges also appreciated that he researched an interview question he had been unsure of and returned with the correct answer at the site visit. In the practical challenge, Lachy worked quickly and accurately while maintaining an exceptionally tidy workspace. His technical ability, initiative and commitment to continually improving set him apart as a highly deserving regional winner. Well done, Lachy.

Second Place - Connor McGechan

Employer - Luke Nolly Building
Training provider - Builders Academy

Connor’s submission reflected his passion for building and the pride he takes in his work. It was clearly set out and demonstrated a strong understanding of the project, including the reasoning behind key construction decisions. During the interview, Connor presented confidently and considered his answers carefully, showing himself to be a capable apprentice with strong practical knowledge.

The site visit showed just how much responsibility Connor has already earned. He confidently guided the judges through a technically demanding passive house, explaining unfamiliar building methods and the challenges encountered along the way. His employer described him as the face of the company much of the time, already running jobs with minimal guidance and supporting other apprentices. Connor worked methodically in the practical challenge, while also managing his time very well and left time for sanding and finishing. His level of responsibility and confidence onsite reflect an apprentice with a strong future ahead. Congratulations, Connor.

Third Place - Kaelan Andrews

Employer - Richards Construction
Training provider - BCITO

Kaelan’s well-rounded submission demonstrated a thorough understanding of the build process and clearly explained the challenges he encountered along the way. His passion for the trade came through strongly, while his interview showcased excellent knowledge of GIB specifications, the New Zealand Building Code and wider industry requirements. The judges also noted the clear growth Kaelan has made since competing last year.

During the site visit, Kaelan’s attention to detail was evident in the high-quality finish he achieved, particularly across the soffits and ceilings. His entrance soffit, where he had taken the lead, was a standout feature. His foreman spoke extremely highly of him, describing Kaelan as a dependable right-hand man who is already treated like a qualified tradesman on site. In the practical challenge, Kaelan remained calm and focused, maintaining a tidy workspace throughout. His workmanship and development make him an impressive apprentice with a strong future ahead. Great work, Kaelan.

The top apprentice from every region now steps onto the national stage, ready to prove their skills through a 45-minute interview and an intense six-hour hands-on challenge at the National Finals in Manawatū, 9-10 October.

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