Tēnā koutou,
Submissions are still open for the 2026 YPOTY & AYPOTY Regional Skills Tests from our Platinum and Gold sponsors. Our regional finalists are being confirmed at present with some amazing tradespeople qualifying after the first weeks of events.
To view our 2026 branch winners please click here
Our regional finals will be held at offsite venues nationwide - to view the timeline please click here
For our Platinum and Gold sponsors who don't have a specific skills test to showcase but would like to feature, please come back to us to discuss options. We would love our complete sponsor family to feature during this section of the competition so open to making this work for you and your team as best as we can.
REGIONAL FINALS - SKILLS TESTS
At the next stage of the competition the technicality of your test needs to increase to help us collectively test competitor's true technical skills and knowledge.
Ensuring your tests are a noticable step up from the branch events will weave growth and development into the event experience for our competitors. This is paramount to the integrity and ongoing success of the competition.
Some key requirements to note when formulating your tests are:
- WHAT/HOW: A detailed diagram/process of your skills test mechanics.
- TIMING: Test duration is to be 10 minutes, including intro/overview.
- MARKING CRITERIA: Specific criteria we need to integrate into your marking schedule.
- FOCUS: Speed/accuracy; system construction; trouble-shooting; product knowledge? Please tell us of the crux of your test.
- REQUIREMENTS: Power? A drill/driver? Please indicate so we can accommodate. Tables will be provided, please bring any branding to support your test.
An essential aspect to this stage of the competition is the need for diverse testing. By introducing unique elements (maybe not seen in previous competitions) we level the playing field for new regional finalists as they come up against previous competitiors. We're committed to delivering on this so are here to collaborate with you to ensure pregression from previous events.
PLEASE NOTE: WE NEED YOU TO FOCUS SPECIFICALLY ON PRACTICAL/KINESTHETIC ASSESSMENT - NOT THEORY.
Our multi-choice questionnaire will cover the required theory so the skills tests need to focus on assessing real world, on the job knowledge. Your expertise comes in here.
Please keep in mind these aspects as you formulate your test. They're the key to crafting an engaging, fair, and challenging competition that will truly test the mettle of our competitors.
TEST SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE 3PM FRIDAY 12th JUNE 2026
Please submit your regional skills tests through to daniel.keenan@plumbingworld.co.nz for consideration. If you need more time please let Dan know so he can keep a tab of where we are at.
Once approved please bring your test gear and banners/branding to our first Northern region final at North Harbour Stadium on Tuesday 21st July 2026.
The Young Plumbers team will manage logistics around the Regional Finals from there and work with you on how best to return this after the final event in Christchurch on Thursday 20th August 2026.
Any questions please feel free to come back to us to discuss - we are here to help.
Ngā Mihi
Dan & Michelle