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Thanks to TV tycoon Sir Alan Sugar, being an apprentice is back in fashion.
As Sir Alan launches his search to find his perfect candidate, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) begins its hunt for apprentices who have already made their name in the construction industry.
The Apprentice of the Year Awards 2007 is a nationwide search for the cream of the construction industry's talent, with a £1,000 top prize. The competition is run in conjunction with the FMB's Master Builder of the Year Awards and is open to any UK apprentice in the construction industry, not just those who are working for FMB member firms.
Last year's Apprentice of the Year, 19-year old Sean Facey was an apprentice for small family firm S & M Marsh. With his exceptional carpentry skills, project management and a 'can do' attitude, Sean won the top prize of £1,000 and his training officer and boss each won a luxury all inclusive weekend break at a Paramount Hotel.
Apprenticeships offered by quality building firms ensure that Britain builds a high standard of craftsmen and women for the future. The FMB is determined to reward these, often overlooked, talented young people, whose hard work, outstanding ability and 'can do' attitude provides a valuable contribution to the businesses they work for.
"The construction industry is the UK's largest industry and it struggles to maintain a skilled, qualified workforce. The Apprentice of the Year Award not only offers the chance to put talented and deserving young people from the industry in the spotlight, but may also encourage other young people to consider a career in one of the construction trades," said Richard Diment, director general of the FMB.
The FMB is seeking nominations for The Apprentice of the Year 2007 from employers, customers, tutors or members of the ConstructionSkills regional teams.
So whether you are a talented apprentice or you run a building firm that prides itself on training new recruits, you can apply online or by calling 0870 162 0942. The closing date for entries is 31st July and Sarah Beeny will present the winners with their awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, on 8th November 2007.
Max Hamps, Apprenticeships Director at ConstructionSkills, says: 'The industry seeks over 87,000 new recruits a year, so it is vital that we continue to promote a positive image, encourage quality young people to take up careers in construction and show them the range of amazing jobs on offer.'
ConstructionSkills and Screwfix Direct sponsor the Apprentice of the Year category. Entries for this category do not have to feature the biggest or most complicated projects; they just need to show that the apprentice has used a high level of skill in their chosen trade.
Simon O'Mahony, Head of Marketing at Screwfix says, "As a long time supplier to the building trade, we understand the importance of encouraging the next generation of talented and motivated tradespeople and are proud to be associated with the Apprentice of the Year Award 2007."
First posted: 17 April 2007. Last modified: 22 May 2007
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