A young apprentice from Canterbury has claimed first place at the regional heats of the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge, earning himself a shot at the national title and a major prize package.
Jesse Winter-Henderson, 22, took out the top spot at the Canterbury heat on April 12, after impressing judges with his carpentry skills under pressure. The event, held in partnership with BCITO, saw competitors given eight hours to construct a planter box using only provided materials and detailed plans.
Photo supplied by Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb
Jesse, who is apprenticed to Brad Keats Builders, said the win was especially meaningful after missing out on placing in last year’s event.
“This year’s competition was definitely harder than last year’s, but I made sure to put in a lot of prep during the week, so I felt ready when the day came,” he said.
“It was awesome having my family and mates there to support me through it all. I’m really looking forward to representing Canterbury at the national final.”
Jesse earned a $1,000 prize pack from Makita and Mitre10 Trade and will fly to Hamilton in June to compete against 17 other regional winners for the prestigious Ken Read Memorial Trophy and a $10,000 prize pack.
Regan Bush (31) placed second, while Toby Baggott (27) came third.
The competition tested apprentices on workmanship, measuring, cutting, assembly, and attention to detail. Judges also assessed each competitor’s ability to follow plans and apply safe working techniques.
NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming said the event is a long-standing showcase of real-world trade readiness.
“For 15 years, the NZCB Apprentice Challenge has given up-and-coming apprentices the opportunity to prove their skills in a real-world, high-pressure environment,” he said. “This year the finalists have all shown the professional carpentry standards that NZCB members are known for.”
BCITO Director Greg Durkin said over 75% of the contestants were BCITO apprentices. “It’s wonderful to see so many BCITO apprentices competing in this year’s challenge. We’re incredibly proud to see such skilled apprentices stepping up to demonstrate their talents.”
For the first time, this year’s competition included a design element in partnership with Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ). Students submitted designs for the planter boxes, with Jillian Wilson’s winning entry selected for its complexity and technical challenge — encouraging collaboration between builders and designers, reflecting real-world project dynamics.
Materials for the Canterbury heat were generously supplied by Mitre10 Trade, and the finished planter boxes will be donated to local community groups.
NZCB South Island Territory Manager Nick Mooney attended the event, which drew strong support from the local community.
The national final will be held in Hamilton this June.
