Some of Canterbury’s most promising young builders will put their carpentry skills to the test this weekend in the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge, the country’s largest hands-on competition for building apprentices.

The Canterbury heat will take place on Saturday, 12 April at Vertical Horizonz in Christchurch, with apprentices beginning their builds from 8am and the winner announced around 5pm.

This year, competitors will be tasked with constructing a complex planter box using plans they received a week in advance.

Each entrant will be judged on workmanship, accuracy, time management, and overall assembly.

NZCB Canterbury President Tony Lindley said the regional event is a showcase of emerging talent in the local building industry.

“We’ve got some seriously talented local apprentices this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring to the table,” Lindley said. “The young guns always put on a show, and their employers and colleagues turn out in force to support them. It makes for a great atmosphere.”

The competition is open to the public and held in partnership with BCITO, New Zealand’s leading provider of building and construction apprenticeships. The event also highlights the value of builder-designer collaboration, with this year’s planter box design created through a new partnership with Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ). Design student Jillian Wilson’s entry was selected for its complexity and buildability within the eight-hour timeframe.

Adding a community-focused element, each finished planter box will be donated to a deserving local recipient, chosen by the apprentice.

The Canterbury winner will take home a $1,000 prize pack and will represent the region at the national final in Hamilton in June, competing against 16 other regional champions for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and a $10,000 prize pack.

More than 100 apprentices across 16 regions are participating in this year’s challenge.