Benjamin Plummer of Broswick Builders has been named the Northern 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place went to Marco Coelho of TP Builders, while Zach Stibbe of Warwick Gair Builders placed third. All three apprentices were trained through BCITO.
Plummer stood out for his enthusiasm for the trade, strong industry knowledge and clear drive to keep developing his skills. During the site visit, he confidently talked judges through the project and the different stages he had contributed to, demonstrating a solid understanding of building products and the Building Code.
He carried that same focus into the practical challenge, where he completed the build to a high standard, and reinforced why he was a deserving Northern regional winner.
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,” Sharma says.
“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.
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: Benjamin Plummer (Broswick Builders)
Benjamin’s submission reflected his passion for the industry and his determination to continually improve. His professionally presented entry showed that he had been involved in the project from the outset, while his aspirations and commitment to developing his skills came through strongly. One judge considered his submission the strongest in the group.
Benjamin was equally impressive during the site visit, confidently guiding the judges through the project and clearly explaining his responsibilities across the different stages of construction. His knowledge of building products and the Building Code reinforced the strength of his performance.
In the practical challenge, Benjamin worked diligently and completed the build to a high standard, demonstrating good practical skills and a strong commitment to quality. His enthusiasm and drive to become the best builder he can be set him apart as a stand-out apprentice and a deserving regional winner. Congratulations.
2nd Place: Marcos Coelho (TP Builders)
Marcos produced an exceptional submission that reflected the considerable effort he invested in documenting his project. The judges were impressed by its detailed written content and supporting technical information, with one describing it as among the best submissions they had encountered in seven years of judging. His passion for learning and desire to be involved across the building process were clear throughout.
During the site visit, Marcos confidently guided the judges through the completed build, and clearly identified the areas where he had been directly involved. His supervisor also spoke highly of his contribution and attitude.
In the practical challenge, Marcos worked safely and methodically, maintaining an organised workspace and demonstrating good practical skills. His commitment to learning and the contribution he is already making at this stage of his apprenticeship left a strong impression. Bravo.
3rd Place: Zach Stibbe (Warwick Gair Builders)
Zach’s submission was concise and easy to follow, clearly outlining his involvement in the project and his plans for continued development. His positive attitude and determination were evident throughout, showing an apprentice who is motivated to keep strengthening his skills and progressing within the industry.
Zach communicated confidently during the site visit and showed a strong understanding of the project, including detailed knowledge of the deck and glass balustrade installation. His employer also spoke positively about his attitude and contribution to the team.
In the practical challenge, Zach worked steadily and demonstrated good health and safety awareness, completing the task to a good standard. His motivation and commitment to continual improvement give him a strong platform to build on as his experience grows. Well done.
