Josh Gullery from the Waikato region has been named the 2025 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place went to Caleb Stuart from the Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau, with Jade Murray from the Central North Island region taking out third.
The national winner competed against the six other top apprentices from the regional competitions, where 97 of New Zealand’s top apprentices took part. The seven national finalists went head-to-head in a rigorous six-hour practical skills challenge and a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel.
The competition tested not only technical skill, but also each apprentice’s understanding of building practices, knowledge of the Building Code, and communication and project management abilities.
For the practical component, apprentices were tasked with building a wooden train, which will be generously donated to early childhood centres across Auckland.
Constructed from plywood and timber, the wooden trains measured approximately 3 metres by 1.5 metres. Each build was completed in consultation with the centres, allowing them to provide input on design preferences and specific safety requirements.
Gullery was recently announced as the well-deserved winner at the National Awards Gala in Auckland, attended by industry leaders, employers, and whanau. He is employed by JCC Build, and completed his training through BCITO.
Originally set on becoming a pilot, the disruption of Covid-19 led Gullery 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 his structured approach, quick problem-solving, and high standards under pressure. Furthermore, his passion, leadership, and technical excellence stood out, making him a future leader who honours the past and inspires the future.
Gullery received a range of great prizes, including the use of a brand new Ute for one year, proudly provided by CARTERS, and a CARTERS Business Tools Grant of $5000 to further his career.
Master Builders chief executive officer Ankit Sharma says 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 says.
“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 says 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 says.
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 construction industry.
Runner-up in this year’s event was Caleb Stuart from the Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau region, with Jade Murray from the Central North Island region taking third place.
A keen skateboarder and a steady, capable all-rounder, Stuart delivered an outstanding performance in the practical and interview components of the competition.
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.
The judges were impressed by Murray, who, being a gifted wood carver, wowed the judges 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. Calm, composed, and a real people person, he delivered a high-standard project, and demonstrated a passion for the industry, which will serve him for years to come.
CARTERS Building Supplies chief executive Mike Guy commended the outstanding talent showcased in this year’s competition, and reaffirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting apprentices as they begin their careers.
“We’re 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,” Guy says.
• Master Builders 2025 Apprentice of the Year, in partnership with CARTERS
The Master Builders Apprentice of the Year, in partnership with CARTERS, aims to recognise excellence among carpentry apprentices and raise awareness of career opportunities in the construction industry. It’s a competition that looks to test several aspects of a well-rounded apprentice, not just their skills on the tools.
Master Builders extends its sincere thanks to its event partners BCITO and Builders Academy for their support in making the competition a success.
• Judges’ comments:
Apprentice of the Year: Josh Gullery (Waikato)
Josh’s journey into the building industry is as inspiring as his performance. Originally set on becoming a pilot, the disruption of Covid-19 led him to honour his late father’s legacy by picking up the tools and forging a new path.
At just 22, Josh topped the practical and interview components — a rare and impressive achievement that reflects his maturity, leadership and technical excellence. His structured approach, quick problem-solving, and high standards under pressure made him a standout.
Whether on site or behind the camera running social media for Fraser Tech Rugby, and at times the Chiefs, Josh brings passion, professionalism and purpose. Dressed to impress for the interview and driven by heart, he’s a future leader who honours the past and inspires the future.
Runner-up: Caleb Stuart (Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau)
In the midst of moving into his first home, Caleb also took on the Apprentice of the Year competition — and delivered an outstanding performance. A keen skateboarder and a steady, capable all-rounder, Caleb placed second in the practical and interview components of the competition, showing his consistency and skill.
His thoughtful planning and deep understanding of his submission, on a very technical architectural build, shone through in the interview, revealing a builder who thrives on complexity and takes pride in his craft.
Calm under pressure and committed to quality, Caleb’s involvement in the competition has boosted his confidence, and confirmed his place as a rising talent in the industry.
3rd place: Jade Murray (Central North Island)
Jade is already a craftsman in the making. A gifted wood carver whose work wowed the judges, Jade brings artistry, optimism and leadership to every project. His interest in building began with a deck he built alongside his dad, and he’s never looked back.
Calm, composed, and a real people person, Jade delivered a high-standard project, and demonstrates strong ownership and leadership on site. With a glass-half-full attitude and a passion for the industry, Jade is set to go from strength to strength — and we can only imagine the incredible quality he’ll be producing in the years to come.
