Search for The Apprentice of the Year 2008

Survey puts job-related training on top, as FMB launches search for The Apprentice of the Year 2008.

As the FMB launches its search for the best young building talent in Britain, a survey reveals that the vast majority of parents - 84% - believe that job-related training, such as building apprenticeships, is a more attractive option for their school leavers than academic study.

The FMB is now inviting entries for The Apprentice of the Year Awards 2008, the nationwide search for the cream of the construction industry's talent, with a GBP1,000 top prize.

Run in conjunction with the FMB's Master Builder of the Year Awards, the competition is open to any UK apprentice in the construction industry, not just those who are working for FMB member firms.

The FMB is seeking nominations from employers, customers, tutors or members of the ConstructionSkills regional teams for apprentices in any building trade.

Those entered could win the title 'Apprentice of the Year 2008', a cash prize and a luxury weekend break for themselves and the person nominating them.

Entries 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.

The Apprentice of the Year Award is supported by the construction industry's training organisation ConstructionSkills, Screwfix and the Cross Industry Construction Apprenticeships Task Force (CCATF).

The CCATF is a taskforce created by FMB National President Geoff Lister, to increase the number of fully qualified apprentices entering the construction industry and to find ways of doubling construction apprenticeships to 20,000 before 2012 Last year's winner was Glasgow carpenter Mark Lynch, aged 20, who took the accolade for his high level of skill in carpentry and joinery, exceptionally high standards of workmanship, commitment and fantastic attitude.

"While our survey found that the vast majority of parents believe apprenticeships offer their young people a better route to employment, the building industry is still struggling to maintain a skilled, qualified workforce," said FMB director general Richard Diment.

"Apprenticeships offered by quality building firms ensure that Britain builds a high standard of craftsmen and women for the future".

"With the current exodus of Eastern European construction workers, it is even more vital that we are committed to training the next generation," he added.

Richard said: "This young talent is the industry's future and The Apprentice of the Year Award may encourage young people to consider a career in one of the construction trades, as well as offering the chance to put talented and deserving young people from the industry in the spotlight".

"But we won't know about them unless you tell us".

"If you are an employer, tutor or assessor and are proud of the achievement and endeavour of an apprentice you are working with, contact us for an entry form and fill it in on their behalf".

You will find more details and an entry form at or by calling 0870 162 0942.

The closing date for entries is 31st July 2008 and Naomi Cleaver, presenter of Channel 4's Grand Designs Trade Secrets, will present the winners with their awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, on Thursday 13th November 2008.

So what are you waiting for? Enter your details at and we will send you a full entry pack.

Alternatively call 0870 162 0942 NOW.

Emphasis on training for 2008.

The Master Builder of the Year Awards traditionally recognizes outstanding apprentices, however this year the FMB has added a new category to reflect the employers' commitment to training.

The Investment in Workforce Training and Development category supported by CSCS, the building industry's competency based card scheme, will recognise the achievement of firms that offer their employees opportunities to improve their skills for the benefit of their business, their customers and the industry.

Companies are at liberty to put themselves forward for this award.

Said Richard Diment: "Given the lack of companies offering apprenticeships, it is crucial that we applaud and recognize all employers who take on apprentices and show commitment to training their staff".

"For this reason we have added the new category for this year's Master Builder of the Year Awards".

Master Builder of the Year 2008 is open to all builders and specialist trades firms.

It is organised by the Federation of Master Builders in association with Nissan Motor (GB) , and in partnership with Aon , B and CE Benefit Schemes, Barcelo Hotels, British Gypsum , BuildStore, ConstructionSkills, CSCS, HBXL, Hilti, Velux, Homebuilding and Renovating, NHBC, Energy Saving Trust, Envirowise, Professional Builder magazine, Sage (UK) , Screwfix Direct, Travis Perkins, Master Builder magazine and CCATF.

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