The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) has adjusted the timings for its 'Stars of the Future'  apprentice and trainee awards 2021 to ensure that nominees and winners receive the recognition they deserve. 

The original date for the ceremony was Thursday July 1st. The current roadmap should see lockdown restrictions lifted by late June, but a minor delay is probably prudent in the meantime. Hence, the CPA has decided to move the awards  to Tuesday 14th September 2021 in order that a live event can take place. 

Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the CPA said: “Stars of the Future is now in its ninth year and it has become firmly established as the premier event of the construction plant sector for recognising and rewarding the skills and calibre of the industry’s apprentices and trainees. Even though physical events may well be allowed from 21st June 2021, there is still a great deal of uncertainty and we didn’t want to run the risk of limiting the event to a purely online awards announcement for the second year running.

“By holding the awards ceremony a few months down the line, we hope there will no longer be any issues with events and our intention is to hold it as a live event at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre where winners are able to receive their prizes and receive rightful recognition for their efforts. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to meet and congratulate the nominees and winners face-to-face"

Stars of the Future is a national awards scheme for apprentices and trainees in the construction plant-hire industry. The categories for the 2021 prizes are as follows:

  • Plant Mechanic of the Year (Level 2) sponsored by L Lynch Plant Hire
  • Plant Technician of the Year (Level 3) sponsored by NOCN Group
  • Plant Operative of the Year jointly sponsored by L Lynch Plant Hire and ACOP Group
  • Lifting Technician of the Year sponsored by Liebherr
  • Hire Controller of the Year sponsored by L Lynch Plant Hire
  • Plant Installer of the Year sponsored by L Lynch Plant Hire
  • College of the Year sponsored by Flannery Plant Hire
  • Best Personal Statement sponsored by Wolffkran
  • Judges’ Special Award sponsored by Flannery Plant Hire

With the awards pushed back a couple of months, the deadline for nominations has been extended to 31st May. See www.cpa.uk.net/starsdownloads to submit your entries.