Are you the best Interior Construction apprentice in New Zealand?
You don’t need to be an AWCI Member!
Entries are open now for the 2026 AWCI Apprentice of the year competition.
27-28 August 2026, Ellerslie Novotel Hotel, 72-112 Greenlane East, Ellerslie, Auckland
All travel and accommodation, including meals are paid for, and the Apprentices will gain significant knowledge and exposure.
You don’t need to have experience in all interior skills. We partner apprentices who are good at plastering with those who have skills in steel or ceilings – so each Apprentice also learns a lot!
The AWCI Apprentice of the Year competition is proudly sponsored by:
This year, the Apprentice of the Year competition will be held slightly earlier than usual and stand-alone from the Association’s annual conference due to the conference being held in Fiji in September. However, it will coincide with a one-day Trade Training Show event which includes presentations from Brad Olsen from Infometrics and Tradie Law plus technical updates from our key partners.
This competition is one of our most entertaining events and highlights the incredible talents we have within our sector. The Apprentices can win great prizes and be recognised as New Zealand’s best Interior Apprentice.
There is a combination of a time-pressured, speed build, ceiling / plaster event along with a longer build running over the two days. It will be a test of the apprentices’ skills, planning and teamwork – and then recognise the employer that trained them!
Entrants will need to participate in all events testing their skills.
If you have an apprentice that would like to be involved in the Apprentice of the Year competition, please contact admin@awcinz.org.nz.
Qualification
Entrants need to be either going through or recently completed within 2 years a BCITO Interior Construction qualification as listed below. No age limit but ideally under 25.
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We are looking for Fix/Finishes and Ceiling / Interior Systems apprentices. All costs for the apprentice will be covered, and they will also be able to attend the Conference seminars, forums and dinners.
Event Information
Venue
Ellerslie Novotel Hotel, 72-112 Greenlane East, Ellerslie, Auckland
Accommodation
All entrants into the competition will have their accommodation and meals fully paid for. (Extra meals or food and mini bar will be at apprentice’s cost.)
Twin-share rooms will be booked for all the apprentices at the Ibis Hotel, Ellerslie, Auckland: Thursday 27 August and Friday 28 August 2026.
Check-out: 10am Saturday 29 August 2026.
The Competition
The apprentices will participate in a “long build” event starting at approximately Midday on Thursday 27th. There will be a fun speed event on Friday afternoon.
Apprentices will need to be at the venue by 11am Thursday 27 August 2026.
An awards ceremony is planned for Friday evening and it is expected that apprentices will dress in smart-casual attire.
IMPORTANT – All apprentices will be expected to help in the loading and clean-up of all materials as part of the competition.
Materials & Tools
All materials needed for the event will be supplied and some tools will also be supplied.
Apprentice entrants will need to bring their own tools, PPE, i.e. steel cap boots, high-vis shirt.
AWCI will supply – mixing drills, buckets, fixings and materials.
Final clean-up of materials and site may be required prior to check-out.
Expectations
As apprentice entrants are representing their employer and the AWCI, it is expected that they:
Conduct themselves to a high standard of behaviour at all times. It should be noted that limited alcohol may be supplied at dinner and the Awards Ceremony.
Assist in the break-down of all work and dispose safely of materials in the waste bins that will be supplied.
Work co-operatively in teams and with other entrants.
Maintain high standard of health and safety at all times particularly to other entrants and trade-show delegates.
To Enter
If you or you have any apprentices that would like to be involved in the Apprentice of the Year competition, please contact admin@awcinz.org.nz and provide the following information:
- Apprentice name (s)
- Company
- Contact email and phone number
- What stage they are at in their apprenticeship.
- Name of Manager
- Manager’s email and phone number
Entries Close
Friday 19th June 2026