Building apprentices from across Tauranga will battle it out on Saturday, April 6 at the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge sponsored by ITM.

Competing for the title of Tauranga’s NZCB Apprentice Challenge winner and a spot in the national final, the apprentices will be tasked with completing a challenging project over eight hours that will put their skills to the test.

The design plans for the project will be revealed to apprentices one week ahead of the competition.

The day-long challenge requires proficiency in a raft of carpentry skills, with a focus on attention to detail and time management.

To decide the winner, a judging panel of building practitioners and industry educators will assess each apprentice’s technical skills and technique, the quality of their workmanship, precision of measuring and cutting, assembly and ability to work to a detailed plan – all while working against the clock.

Each project must meet minimum safety standards, and competitors will be provided with durable, trade-quality timber and materials from ITM to complete the project.

The event will be held at Te Pūkenga Toi Ohomai Campus, 70 Windermere Drive, Poike, Tauranga and is open to the public to attend and support local building talent.

The event begins at 8am and the best time to attend is from 3pm onwards, with Tauranga’s Apprentice Challenge 2024 winner being announced around 5pm.

The Tauranga event is one of 20 regional NZCB Apprentice Challenges being held around the country on the day.

These events are sponsored by ITM and any proceeds from entry fees and the sale of the projects following the event will be donated to NZCB’s Apprentice Trust, designed to provide apprentices with access to scholarships and grants.

The winner of each regional event will go on to represent their region in the national NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM Final, held at the NZCB Annual Conference and Expo in Wellington on 21-22 June.