Corbyn Trembath of K Amey Construction has been named the Manawatu 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place went to Angus Hodgson of Narley Construction, while Ben Stewart of Colspec Construction placed third. All three apprentices were trained through the BCITO.
Trembath’s Win
Trembath stood out to the judges with his thoughtful approach, strong technical knowledge, and genuine passion for the trade. His submission brought his experience to life through work on his parents’ home, with the timber ceiling highlighting the care and craftsmanship he brings to his projects.
He was particularly strong in the interview, where his confidence and understanding of compliance stood out. Across the site visit and practical challenge, Trembath continued to demonstrate a methodical approach and sound practical ability, while his resilience and determination added further weight to an already impressive performance.
About the Competition
Now in its 23rd year, the Apprentice of the Year competition, delivered in partnership with CARTERS, is New Zealand’s leading competition for construction apprentices. It recognizes and celebrates apprentices who are building strong skills and showing promise as the next generation of industry leaders.
Master Builders chief executive Ankit Sharma says the competition provides an important opportunity to recognize apprentices who are building strong foundations for their careers.
“As our sector continues to evolve, skilled apprentices remain at the heart of delivering the high-quality homes and buildings New Zealand needs. Apprentice of the Year gives emerging builders the chance to demonstrate not only their practical ability, but also the professionalism, knowledge and leadership they are developing throughout their training.
“It is encouraging to see such strong talent coming through the industry, and the standard displayed throughout this year’s competition gives us real confidence in the next generation of builders and our future industry leaders.”
Across New Zealand, 95 apprentices from nine regions took part in the 2026 regional competition. Each apprentice submitted a detailed overview of a building project they were working on before completing a two-hour practical challenge, which required them to build a project box revealed on the morning of the competition.
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The top 10 regional competitors were then interviewed by a judging panel and assessed during an on-site visit to their project, where they were tested on their technical understanding, communication, project involvement and wider industry knowledge.
The leading apprentice from each region will now progress to the national competition, which includes a 45-minute interview with a national judging panel and an intensive six-hour practical challenge. The national competition will take place on October 7 to 9 2026 at The Cloud in Auckland.
All regional winners will have the opportunity to attend a 16-day Outward Bound course, receive a ticket to the National House of the Year gala event including travel and accommodation, and a place at the National Final. The national winner will receive a CARTERS Career Advancement Grant and the use of a brand-new ute for one year, courtesy of CARTERS.
Winners’ Achievements
1st Place: Corbyn Trembath (K Amey Construction)
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 organized, 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 organized manner.
Corbyn’s resilience, capability, and genuine commitment to the trade shone throughout the competition, making him a highly deserving regional winner.
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2nd Place: Angus Hodgson (Narley Construction)
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.
3rd Place: Ben Stewart (Colspec Construction)
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.
