There'll be 164 hammers banging away when apprentices from around New Zealand compete in the Registered Master Builders Carters 2016 Apprentice of the Year.

Entries this year are up by 13 per cent on the 2015 competition, which reflects the high level of construction activity happening around the country, says a thrilled chief executive David Kelly.

The competition is building ahead of the Registered Master Builders Carters 2016 Apprentice of the Year. Photo: RMB/Facebook

'It's brilliant to see so many apprentices step up to the challenge. These future Master Builders are our next industry leaders, this competition is all about nurturing talent to ensure a better built New Zealand.

'The competition provides them with the chance to prove themselves alongside their peers and the building and construction industry. We look forward to seeing the talent and passion amongst this year's entrants, and wish them all the best as regional judging commences.”

Regional judging starts this week and is made up of three stages: the initial entry submission, an interview with the judging panel, and an onsite visit where contestants will discuss their project.

The winning apprentice from each region will receive $2000 to spend at Carters, a place on an Outward Bound course, plus a range of products and tools.

The regional winners will then go on to compete at the Apprentice of the Year national competition in Auckland in November where they'll vie for the much sought-after national title and their share of more than $100,000 worth of prizes.

Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation chief executive Warwick Quinn says they're proud to support an event which helps to promote the value of an apprenticeship in New Zealand.

'New Zealand's construction industry is facing a significant shortage of apprentices right now. Apprentice of the Year is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of the industry and show other young people what a career in the trades has to offer,” says Warwick.

'Apprentice of the Year is a great way for apprentices to make their mark in the building and construction industry. Taking part in the competition demonstrates that the apprentices are striving to be the best they can be. We are excited to see the high calibre of apprentices that put their skills to the test once again this year.”

For more information visit the Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year website at: www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz