Josh Gullery glanced around at his fellow competitors in the apprentice of the year finals in Auckland and feared he was falling behind.
But within minutes, his strategy – prefabricating frames on the ground – propelled him ahead, and he went on to win.
Josh Gullery, 22, builds his train during New Zealand’s top Master Builders apprentice national finals in Auckland.
Josh, 22, who attended St Paul’s Collegiate School and works for JCC Build, was recognised at the event for his outstanding skills, craftmanship and commitment to the building trade.
He won the use of a new ute for a year and a $5000 business tools grant.
This year’s Carters-sponsored national competition brought together the best of the best; seven regional winners selected from a pool of 97 top apprentices across New Zealand.
Over an intense two-days, finalists faced a demanding six-hour practical challenge and a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel.
The competition culminated at the National Awards Gala in Auckland, where industry leaders, employers, and whānau gathered to celebrate the achievements of the country’s most promising young builders.
Competitors work on their trains.
For the practical build, each apprentice constructed a life size wooden train, designed in consultation with early childhood centres across Auckland.
The finished projects are being donated to local centres, creating a lasting gift that will be enjoyed by children for years to come.
“It felt like I was falling behind a bit because after the 30 minute grace period, a few of the boys had started erecting their frames and I had prefabbed mine on the ground,” said Josh.
“Visually I was a little bit behind but then about 30 minutes later I just erected all my frames at the same time, and I just had a good flow going on and to be honest I couldn’t see if I was ahead or not. It could have been anyone’s game at that point.”
Josh’s approach worked.
“I had a good system going knowing that most of the frames were mirrored or identical.”
Second place went to Caleb Stuart from the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau, with Jade Murray from the Central North Island region taking out third.
Caleb Stuart
Jade Murray
Once qualified – he is about 96 per cent there – Josh likes the idea of moving into a project manager role and then being director of his own company.
He recognises there is a big step between being a good tradesperson and the business side, but it appeals to him.
When Josh left school, he knew he did not want to go to university. Originally set on becoming a pilot, he instead opted to honour his late father’s legacy. He had built and run his own construction business so opted for an apprenticeship because he could earn and learn at the same time.
He tried plumbing first and then in 2022 moved into carpentry through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), a New Zealand-based organisation responsible for providing and managing apprenticeships and qualifications in the building and construction sector.
Shortly before the regional finals in September, JCC Build had moved him into a foreperson role, and he had the opportunity to be involved in a new build for one of the company directors.
All the competitors at New Zealand’s top Carters Master Builders apprentice national finals in Auckland.
After his victory, Josh was mindful it was Mental Health Week and wanted to acknowledge the importance of keeping in touch with fellow tradies on site.
“Small gestures go a long way,” he said.
“It’s a lucrative industry out there and it sometimes can be cut throat.
“So just knowing what our fellow guys are going through (is important) because you’re probably seeing them more than you do your own family.”
He thrives on creating projects for friends and family.
Master Builders chief executive Ankit Sharma said the Apprentice of the Year competition highlighted the importance of keeping a strong pipeline of skilled tradespeople to support New Zealand’s future growth.
“It is great to see the high calibre of talent on display at this year’s competition reflecting the dedication, skill, and pride apprentices bring to their work. Their achievements highlight the talent driving the future of New Zealand’s construction industry,” Sharma said.
“New Zealand’s construction sector is at a turning point. Confidence is returning, and momentum is building, but to deliver the homes, schools, and infrastructure our country needs, we must continue to invest in people. This competition is about celebrating the great talent in the sector and encouraging more people to consider a career in the trades.”
Now in its 22nd year, the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition, in partnership with Carters, has recognised apprentices who display outstanding craftsmanship, commitment, and potential. The competition has become a defining milestone for many in their careers, with past competitors going on to become leaders across New Zealand’s building and construction industry.
Josh Gullery, 22, builds his train during New Zealand’s top Master Builders apprentice national finals in Auckland.
Josh Gullery, 22, builds his train during New Zealand’s top Master Builders apprentice national finals in Auckland.
