Apprentices from across the Western Bay have descended on Mount Maunganui for this year's New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge.

Taking place at Mount ITM on Owens Place, it's one of 14 events that are being held simultaneously in different regions right across New Zealand today.

This year apprentices have eight hours to construct a high-spec outdoor table and bench seating measuring 1m wide and 1.8m in length that also features carpentry joints in its design not typically found on basic outdoor furniture.

During the challenge they'll be assessed on reading and interpreting plans, skill level, decision making and ‘employable value'.

M&M Builders apprentice Luke Dickinson says to challenge competitors, the organisers like to omit few things from the plans to cause a few hiccups and keep things interesting.

'Yeah I'm going good, there's a bit to do but it should be right. I should be finished within the eight hours as long as everything goes smoothly.

'It's not too difficult, there's just a few seat cuts and braces that take a bit of working out, but we'll get there.”

Following the annual challenge the tables and bench seating will be donated to local community groups.

This year's winner will receive a Makita Drill and Driver Combination Kit plus a $300 ITM gift voucher will also book their spot at the NZCB Apprentice Challenge Final which will be held in Auckland on May 26-27.

Nelson Griffin-March.

Jarrod Foster.

Jayden Thurston.