A Christchurch apprentice has earned national recognition after placing third at the 2026 NZCB Apprentice Challenge national final in Auckland.

Joe McFadyen, a BCITO apprentice based in Riccarton, took home third place and a $5,000 prize package sponsored by GIB.

BCITO, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation, supports apprentices and employers with workplace based trade training across New Zealand’s building and construction sector.

McFadyen works for Keenan Construction and was one of 15 apprentices from across the country who competed in the intense 2 day national final on Friday and Saturday.

Finalists faced a demanding series of construction challenges, scenario based questions, and a live presentation in front of hundreds of industry professionals.

The national final was held as part of New Zealand Certified Builders’ annual conference, which brought together more than 300 people from across the construction industry.

Caiden Brien of Mangawhai won the national title and a $10,000 prize package sponsored by Mitre 10 Trade and Makita. Rotorua apprentice Taylor Forrest placed second.

New Zealand Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming said this year’s finalists showed resilience during a difficult period for the construction industry.

“The construction sector has faced a tough few years, and economic pressures have been challenging across the industry.

“What we’ve seen through the Apprentice Challenge is that despite those challenges, apprentices have remained focused on their training and their trade, and employers have stayed committed to their apprentices. That resilience is exactly what the industry needs right now,” Fleming said.

BCITO Chief Executive Jason Hungerford said the challenge reflected the wider support behind apprentices.

“We’re proud to have seen 14 BCITO apprentices make it to the National Final. We’re celebrating the finalists, but also the people who have supported them in getting to this point.

“Behind every apprentice is an employer, a training advisor, and a wider support network that has invested in their success and encouraged them to excel,” Hungerford said.

Mitre 10 Trade Head of Trade Mark Moffitt said the challenge helped connect the industry with future builders.

“The Apprentice Challenge allows us to connect with the next generation of builders at an important stage of their careers. These are the tradespeople we’ll be working alongside for decades, and those relationships matter to us,” Moffitt said.