Mr Keogh (22) was named the Registered Master Builders' 2011 Apprentice of the Year in Wellington on Saturday night after competing alongside 10 national finalists.
"I'm absolutely honoured. It was a great privilege to take out the title."
The practical assessments on Saturday morning were akin to "a Chef Ramsay-type show", he said.
"It was unique. I haven't been in such a high-speed situation before. It was exciting."
The judges said Mr Keogh, employed by Naylor Love Construction Ltd in Dunedin and trained by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), performed consistently across the competition and was passionate about building.
"Ryan is strong in his health and safety knowledge, and his workmanship is very good.
"Ryan said he would rather take his time and get things right, and that showed through in his performance in the competition's practical component," they said.
Mr Keogh, who was a supervisor on his work site, was studying for his diploma in construction management and planning to continue advancing and learning from his senior managers.
Second place went to Matt Saathof (21), of Hastings, with Tom Storey (22), of Ohope, third.
