Lachy Hughes of Form Building has been named the Taranaki-Whanganui 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place went to Connor McGechan of Luke Nolly Building, while Kaelan Andrews of Richards Construction 2022 Ltd placed third. Connor was trained through Builders Academy, while Lachy and Kaelan were trained through the BCITO.
Hughes impressed the judges with his strong blend of technical capability and composure. His work on a complex high-performance home gave the judges a clear sense of the experience he is building, particularly through features such as the wall system, airtightness cavities and structural detailing.
He also stood out for the way he approached gaps in his knowledge, taking the initiative to research an interview question and return with the correct answer at the site visit. His willingness to keep learning, combined with his accuracy, organisation and professionalism, left a strong impression throughout 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 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: Lachy Hughes (Form Building)
Lachy’s submission demonstrated a strong understanding of his project and explained the construction processes and challenges involved. He showed sound technical knowledge across the build, while his interview reflected a calm and professional approach. The judges were particularly impressed by his knowledge of the Building Code, and his willingness to keep developing his understanding of the wider regulatory environment.
His site visit highlighted the valuable experience Lachy has gained on a technically demanding high-performance home. He confidently explained features, including the wall system, airtightness cavities and structural details, while also discussing how roof framing had pushed him outside his comfort zone.
The judges also appreciated that he researched an interview question he had been unsure of and returned with the correct answer at the site visit. In the practical challenge, Lachy worked quickly and accurately while maintaining an exceptionally tidy workspace. His technical ability, initiative and commitment to continually improving set him apart as a highly deserving regional winner. Well done.
2nd Place: Connor McGechan (Luke Nolly Building)
Connor’s submission reflected his passion for building and the pride he takes in his work. It was clearly set out and demonstrated a strong understanding of the project, including the reasoning behind key construction decisions. During the interview, Connor presented confidently and considered his answers carefully, showing himself to be a capable apprentice with strong practical knowledge.
The site visit showed just how much responsibility Connor has already earned. He confidently guided the judges through a technically demanding passive house, explaining unfamiliar building methods and the challenges encountered along the way. His employer described him as the face of the company much of the time, already running jobs with minimal guidance and supporting other apprentices.
Connor worked methodically in the practical challenge, while also managing his time very well, and left time for sanding and finishing. His level of responsibility and confidence onsite reflect an apprentice with a strong future ahead. Congratulations.
3rd Place: Kaelan Andrews (Richards Construction 2022 Ltd)
Kaelan’s well-rounded submission demonstrated a thorough understanding of the build process and clearly explained the challenges he encountered along the way. His passion for the trade came through strongly, while his interview showcased excellent knowledge of GIB specifications, the New Zealand Building Code and wider industry requirements. The judges also noted the clear growth Kaelan has made since competing last year.
During the site visit, Kaelan’s attention to detail was evident in the high-quality finish he achieved, particularly across the soffits and ceilings. His entrance soffit, where he had taken the lead, was a stand-out feature. His foreman spoke extremely highly of him, describing Kaelan as a dependable right-hand man who is already treated like a qualified tradesman on site.
In the practical challenge, Kaelan remained calm and focused, maintaining a tidy workspace throughout. His workmanship and development make him an impressive apprentice with a strong future ahead. Great work.
