NZCB Apprentice Challenge
The Challenge is back for 2027!
Now in its seventeenth year, the NZCB Apprentice Challenge is a celebration of emerging building talent and identifies the future leaders of our industry and New Zealand Certified Builders Association.
Taking part in the Apprentice Challenge can help you take your carpentry career to new heights. It’s an invaluable opportunity to meet other apprentices, industry leaders and build your network.
It is also a chance to have an impact on your local community. This is more than a build; it’s about giving back.
Important dates
Entries open: 1 November 2026
Entries close: 28 February 2027
Regional heats: 22 May 2027
National final: 29 and 30 July 2027
Entries are now open!
About the Challenge
Entrants compete in an 8-hour practical build at regional heats around the country on and finalists go on to attend the annual NZCB Conference and Expo where they will compete for the winning title.
Each project is donated. As part of the competition apprentices go out into their community to find a group to donate their build to or donate to a group that they have a connection to.
The design concept for the 2026 Challenge was a pātaka, a community sharing cupboard designed for books, toys, food, or whatever else the local community requires. The Challenge design concept for 2027 will be revealed soon.
Thank you to our sponsors
The NZCB Apprentice Challenge is brought to life thanks to the support of our sponsor family.
