This contest has been held annually since 1966. During the final year of  apprenticeship, top apprentices earn the right to compete in this contest by displaying proficiency and excellence at their craft. Apprentices are selected from the eight union carpenter and millwright training centers throughout the state.  

The contest is divided into four different categories: Wood Framing Carpenter, Interior Systems Carpenter, Millwright, and Floor Layer. Each competition consists of four hours of written testing, which tests general trade knowledge, mathematical ability, and problem solving. Contestants are then required to complete a special layout project which tests their technical proficiency at a specific task related to their craft. 

On the second day of the contest, manipulative skills are tested. Participants are each assigned a  work area adjacent to the other contestants. Each contestant is given a blueprint for the same project and is supplied with the same quantity of material and tools. The contestants are judged as the work is in progress as well as the completed project. Judges rate the contestants in such areas as accuracy of work, use of material, condition and use of tools, safety procedures, and finished appearance. Judges for the contest are selected from participating contractors from around the state.