
Apprentice Awards Nominations
10 minute readBCITO and Window & Glass Association New Zealand (WGANZ) are proud to support the apprentice awards for the Glass & Glazing and Architectural Aluminium Joinery sectors again in 2026.
Awards
We are now seeking nominations for these four awards:
- Architectural Aluminium Joinery Most Promising Apprentice Award
- Architectural Aluminium Joinery Apprentice of the Year Award
- Glass & Glazing Most Promising Apprentice Award
- Allan Sage Glass & Glazing Apprentice of the Year Award
Nominations can come from the employer, the training advisor or the apprentice themselves this year.
These prestigious awards not only recognise individual achievement but also highlight the importance of investing in quality training and development. By celebrating the best in the industry, we inspire future apprentices to aim high and ensure a strong, skilled workforce for years to come.
If you know an apprentice who deserves recognition or if you're an apprentice ready to showcase your talent, take the opportunity to be part of this legacy of excellence!

Eligibility
- Most Promising Awards: Must be in a current BCITO Training Agreement and must have completed a year’s training since 1 April 2025.
- Apprentice of the Year Awards: Must have completed their apprenticeship after 1 April 2025 or still be in training. Must be still working in the industry at the time of entry.
Overview
Stage 1: March – April
Nomination applications open
Stage 2: May
Applications reviewed and judging commences
Shortlisted finalists notified
Online interviews conducted for finalists
Stage 3: May
Winners announced
Winners travel and accommodation booked by BCITO
Stage 4: June
Winners are celebrated at Window & Glass Association Gala Awards Dinner on Friday 19 June 2025 in Christchurch.
Process
Nomination forms are online this year and include the following sections:
- Apprentice, Employer and Training Advisor details
- Why your apprentice written application – for Employers and Training Advisors
- Why you written application – for Apprentices
- Supporting documentation / project submission
- Declaration
Written Applications
For employers and training advisors, in the ‘why your apprentice’ section, some key areas about your apprentice you can highlight are:
- Role and skill sets
- Leadership and teamwork
- Technical expertise and product knowledge
- Commitment to apprenticeship and training
For apprentices, in the why me section, some key areas you can highlight are:
- What’s shaped you, what drives you, and the values you bring to your work each day.
- How you have adapted work practices to lift quality, efficiency and/or safety.
We’d love to hear how you contribute to your team and how collaboration has helped deliver great results on site.
Share how you prioritise safety, any improvements you’ve helped introduce, and how you’ve embraced new tools, techniques, or ways of working to lift quality and efficiency. Including a real example will help bring your story to life.
Tell us what winning this award would mean for your future and for your place in the industry.
Project Submissions
The project submission is the chance to showcase skills, experience, and achievements as a Glass and Glazing or Architectural Aluminium Joinery apprentice with a portfolio of work. It provides the judges with a clear picture of why you deserve to be a 2026 winner.
Work: Share details about a current project or multiple projects worked on and are proud of.
Photos & Media: Include images, videos, or other media that highlight work and craftsmanship.
Note: Project submissions are compulsory for Apprentice of the Year Apprentice applications and is optional for Most Promising Apprentice applications.
Nomination Process
- Either an employer or training advisor can nominate their apprentice.
- An apprentice can self-nominate.
- All three parties – the apprentice, the employer and the training advisor – must complete an online application form.
- Apprentices for the Apprentice of the Year Award applications must submit a written application and project.
- For the Most Promising Award applications, apprentices must submit a written application, and the project submission is optional.
- Employers and training advisors are welcome to share additional information on their apprentice (section three - Supporting Documents) as part of their application, this is optional.
Finalists will be required to participate in an online interview with the judges. This will determine the winners.
Winners will travel to Christchurch for the Awards Gala on 19 June 2026. BCITO are delighted to support apprentices and will kindly arrange travel, accommodation, and tickets to the dinner for winning apprentices.
Action
Entries close: Friday 1 May 2026, 5.00pm
Are you an employer or BCITO Training Adviser with an apprentice worth celebrating?
If you have an eligible apprentice who you believe is deserving of any of these awards, please all complete the online nomination forms!
- This shows you see potential in them and view them as future leaders
- It shows you believe in them, their skills and their abilities
- It helps them to feel valued as a good apprentice
Are you a worthy apprentice?
Show us why you deserve to be named Most Promising Apprentice or Apprentice of the Year at these industry awards for Architectural Aluminium Joinery and Glass & Glazing.
- There’s the opportunity to meet and network with industry leaders
- There is acknowledgement of your role in the future of the industry
- There are generous prizes up for grabs
Many thanks to WGANZ for supporting the award prizes, winners receive:
- $500 for Architectural Aluminium Joinery Most Promising Apprentice
- $1,000 for Architectural Aluminium Joinery Apprentice of the Year
- $500 for Glass & Glazing Most Promising Apprentice
- $1,000 for Allan Sage Glass & Glazing Apprentice of the Year
Key Dates
Nominations Open
Wednesday 25 March 2026
Nominations Close
Friday 1 May 2026, 5.00pm
Judging and Interviews
May 2026
Awards Evening
Friday 19 June 2026
If you have any questions, please contact BCITO Industry Advocate Lachlan Mitchell –
Email: lachlan.mitchell@bcito.org.nz
Mobile: 027 470 5008
