Dokyun Kim of Laing Properties has been named the Central & Upper South Island’s 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year, while second place went to Caleb Scott of Big Bad Wolf Builders — with both being trained through the BCITO.
William Farnsworth — who trained through the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) — of Taylor & Co Building placed third.
Kim impressed the judges with the depth of his technical understanding, careful attention to detail, and clear pride in his craft. His submission showed a strong grasp of a complex transportable home project, while his previous experience in boat building and cabinetmaking came through in the accuracy and practical thinking he brought to the competition.
He carried that same confidence into the interview and site visit, where his preparation and detailed project knowledge clearly set him apart.
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 recognises 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 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.”
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.
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 7-9, 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.
For more information about the competition, visit apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz.
Judges’ comments
1st place: Dokyun Kim (Laing Properties)
Dokyun delivered an outstanding performance across every stage of the competition. His submission showed a strong understanding of a complex transportable home project, clearly explaining not only the work involved but why each decision mattered.
His earlier experience in boat building and cabinetmaking was evident in his accuracy, practical thinking and high standard of finish.
Dokyun was exceptionally well prepared for the interview, and impressed the judges with his confidence, enthusiasm, and genuine pride in the trade. At the site visit, he demonstrated detailed knowledge of how the home’s two mirrored sections would be transported and connected.
He also showcased challenging work he had personally completed, including a frameless slider. His immaculate tools further reflected the pride he takes in his craft.
Dokyun is an exceptional apprentice and a highly deserving regional winner — congratulations.
2nd place: Caleb Scott (Big Bad Wolf Builders)
Caleb’s submission reflected his enthusiasm for the trade and the pride he takes in his work. His Savill Bay project was explained in strong technical detail, showing a clear understanding of how the build progressed from set-out and excavation through to the flooring and framing.
His example of health and safety leadership also demonstrated that he is willing to take responsibility on site. During the site visit and interview, Caleb presented with confidence and answered the judges’ questions well. His industry knowledge made a particularly strong impression and showed how much potential he has within the trade.
In the practical challenge, Caleb reviewed the plans carefully and used an effective sequence of work to complete the project to a high standard. Caleb has a very promising building career ahead of him. Bravo.
3rd place: William Farnsworth (Taylor & Co Building)
William’s well-written submission demonstrated a mature understanding of the industry, supported by experience across joinery, commercial construction and residential building. His Kainga Ora project showed that he understands the importance of sequencing work and keeping a fast-moving site on track.
The judges were especially impressed by how he had applied lessons from an earlier project to improve the construction of the intertenancy walls. William was engaging throughout his interview and spoke with real pride about his work. During the site visit, he confidently explained the complexities of the two Kainga Ora homes and showed a thorough understanding of the build from start to finish.
His practical challenge was completed methodically and to an excellent standard. William’s capability and drive suggest he will go on to lead successful projects and teams. Well done.
