APL window brands have announced this major new sponsorship as part of their continuing trainee and graduate support in the building and design professions.

The Apprentice of the Year is a scheme which aims to recognise excellence among carpentry apprentices. It is organised in a series of regional competitions which involve interviews and project-based assessment. 

This year’s regionals were run through August and September. The final national event, which includes a practical exercise, was held in Auckland on 9 October.  

APL have had long associations with graduate development programmes in the architecture profession. APL General Manager Marketing, Shane Walden said it was a good fit to join the Registered Master Builders apprenticeship award scheme and "make another investment in building our industry for the future." 

David Kelly, Master Builders CEO said that the Apprentice of the Year has grown significantly over the last ten years, adding "the time was right to bring another organisation on board to assist us with taking this competition to the next level."