Logan Crawford of JBH Builders secured the 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year title for the Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay region. The event, running for 23 years, remains New Zealand’s premier competition for construction apprentices, honoring those who show exceptional skill and leadership.
Trained through Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Crawford impressed the judges with the way he combined practical knowledge with a genuine willingness to keep learning. His submission clearly explained how the project came together, including the sequencing of work and the use of materials and methods less common in traditional timber-frame construction. The site visit was a particular highlight, with Crawford confidently walking judges through his contribution and the lessons he had taken from the build. His initiative and pride in his work were evident throughout, including in the practical challenge where his time management and organised workspace shone.
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Georgia Rendall of Oswald Construction, who finished third at the 2025 regional competition, returned this year to take second place, while Ross Pirie of Oceanside Builds placed third. Rendall and Pirie were trained through the BCITO.
Ninety-five apprentices from nine regions competed in the 2026 event. Each 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. 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.
National final set for October in Auckland
Regional winners will advance to the national competition, scheduled for October 7-9, 2026, at The Cloud in Auckland. The event includes a 45-minute interview with a national judging panel and an intensive six-hour practical challenge. 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.
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The national winner will receive a CARTERS Career Advancement Grant and the use of a brand-new ute for one year, courtesy of CARTERS. Master Builders chief executive Ankit Sharma said the competition provides an important opportunity to recognise 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,” Sharma says. “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.”
For more information about the competition, visit apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz.