McCurdy Trucks take home the shield at Taranaki Apprentice Challenge

Twelve teams, twelve challenges and a whole lot of teamwork made for an action-packed day at WITT, as apprentices from across Taranaki put their skills, fitness and health and safety knowledge to the test.

WITT was proud to host the 2026 Taranaki Apprentice Challenge on Friday 16 October, welcoming apprentices, employers and industry representatives to campus for a day of friendly competition, practical learning and connection.

Organised by BeSafe Taranaki, the challenge brought together 12 teams of four apprentices representing nine local companies, alongside a WITT team. Across 12 challenges, competitors tackled everything from practical trade tasks to physical tests and workplace health and safety scenarios.

Thinking outside their own trade

The challenges were designed to get apprentices thinking beyond their usual roles, testing their ability to work together, solve problems and apply health and safety knowledge in unfamiliar situations.

Plumbing World challenged teams to build a tower using spaghetti sticks, while New Zealand Police put apprentices' fitness to the test. Other activities included identifying which respirator was appropriate for different tasks and learning how to maintain and repair their own equipment.

With challenges delivered by organisations across the region, there was plenty of variety throughout the day. Working for Health, Wells Electrical, RoadSafe Taranaki, Building Wellness, WITT Automotive, ACC, Fire and Emergency, New Plymouth Injury Safe, Taranaki Pine, Milwaukee and Plumbing World all contributed activities to the event.

The challenges highlighted the importance of practical skills, communication and teamwork, alongside the knowledge and habits that help keep people safe at work.

Te Piere o te Rangi brings everyone together

Te Piere became the central hub for the day, giving teams and supporters a place to regroup, refuel and connect between challenges.

Despite some less-than-ideal weather, Mitre 10 kept everyone fuelled with an impressive BBQ lunch, providing a welcome break before the final showdown.

The competition finished with a fast-paced quiz at Te Piere, where the teams put their knowledge to the test once more. Company CEOs joined in the fun, adding another layer of friendly rivalry to the day's proceedings.

A close finish and a strong showing from WITT

After a full day of competition, the final scores were close, with McCurdy Trucks taking home the 2026 Taranaki Apprentice Challenge shield. Profound secured second place after a strong performance.

WITT also had plenty to celebrate, with our own team of two construction students and two automotive students taking on the challenges alongside their industry peers. The team performed brilliantly, securing an impressive 6th place in a competitive field.

It was fantastic to see our students putting their skills, teamwork and problem-solving abilities to the test in a real-world setting.

Congratulations to McCurdy Trucks, Profound, our WITT team and every apprentice who took part. The day was a great opportunity to celebrate the effort apprentices put into their training while building connections across Taranaki's industries.

Celebrating Taranaki's apprenticeship community

For WITT, hosting the challenge was an opportunity to welcome local industry onto campus, share our training facilities and support an event that puts apprentices and their future workplaces at the centre.

The challenge also reinforced the value of collaboration between employers, training providers and health and safety organisations. By bringing people together across different industries, the event encouraged knowledge sharing and a stronger collective commitment to workplace health, safety and wellbeing.

A huge thank you to BeSafe Taranaki for organising the event, and to all the participating companies, challenge providers and supporters who contributed their time and expertise. Special thanks to Mitre 10 for the BBQ lunch and to everyone who helped make the day run so well.

It was a long day for competitors and organisers alike, but the teamwork, enthusiasm and community spirit made it one to remember.

WITT loved hosting the Taranaki Apprentice Challenge and looks forward to continuing to support the people, partnerships and skills that help Taranaki thrive.