Whanganui carpentry apprentices urged to enter Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2019 competition

Carpentry apprentices at work in last year's Central North Island competition.

Carpentry apprentices are invited to try to nail a place in the Registered Master Builders CARTERS 2019 Apprentice of the Year finals.

Entrants from Whanganui and the surrounding region will compete in the Central North Island regional final, currently scheduled for August 30.

Registered Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly says New Zealand's building workforce is expected to grow by more than 17,000 workers by 2020 and the industry needs more skilled apprentices and more employers to take on apprentices.

"We believe the on-the-job training given by employers provides apprentices with the best kickstart to their career," Kelly said.

"Currently, only 25,000 businesses are taking part in workplace training. We need more employers to invest their time, skills and energy into training apprentices to meet demand.

"We encourage all employers to enter their apprentices into Apprentice of the Year and all ambitious apprentices to take part. Taking part in the competition is a fantastic way for apprentices to establish their careers in the industry."

This year the upper age for entrants has been increased to 30 years to support apprentices who join the industry later or after higher education.

Carpentry apprentices can enter the competition online at http://www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz/. Entries close on Monday, May 20.

The Central District regional event is scheduled for August 30 and the winner will compete in the national final in Auckland later this year.