CPA Bulletin

8 CPA Bulletin > August 2021 www.cpa.uk.net ASSOCIATIONNEWS: 1 ASSOCIATION NEWS Stars of the Future 2021 As the CPA Bulletin went to print, the judges were considering almost 70 impressive nominations for the Stars of the Future Apprentice and Trainee Awards. Despite the awards programme taking place during the pandemic, Stars of the Future attracted one of our highest ever entry figures in the awards programme’s nine year history. Since it was first introduced in 2012, Stars of the Future has grown in stature every year. The 2021 winners will be announced at a live physical awards ceremony on Tuesday 14th September 2021 at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre near Coventry. All nominees will be sent further details about the awards ceremony. The headline sponsor for CPA Stars of the Future 2021 is Sunbelt Rentals UK. Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the CPA said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the high number of entries we’ve received for Stars of the Future 2021, despite the many challenges that employers, training providers and apprentices have faced over recent months. The standard of entries this year has been exceptional and the judges have a difficult task on their hands choosing the winners. “Well over half of our nominees sent in video statements to support their nominations this year, and these have given a real insight into the candidates and what they have achieved in their career so far. Last year we held the Stars of the Future awards ceremony as an online event due to COVID restrictions, so this year we’re really looking forward to meeting the nominees and winners in person and giving them their certificates and prizes at the awards ceremony. It will also allow the judges and sponsors to congratulate the winners on the day.” The Stars of the Future awards are intended to recognise and reward outstanding apprentices and trainees who not only bring ability and commitment to their learning and their work, but also possess those extra capabilities which mark them out as being not only the foundations of the future of the industry, but also potentially its leaders - the Stars of the Future. Stars of the Future has expanded significantly from its origins of rewarding Plant Mechanics. Several national titles are now awarded and nominations have been made by training providers, plant-hire companies, manufacturers, contractors and others operating in the construction plant sector with apprentices and trainees in their workforce. The awards categories reflect the key occupations in the plant industry, and correspond with apprenticeships that are available, including new ‘Trailblazer’ apprenticeships in England. A new category for 2021 is Plant Installer of the Year. At the 2021 awards ceremony, the following awards will be presented: • 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 • Hire Controller of the Year sponsored by L Lynch Plant Hire • Plant Installer of the Year jointly sponsored by L Lynch Plant Hire and Liebherr • College of the Year sponsored by Flannery Plant Hire • Best Personal Statement sponsored by Wolffkran • Judges’ Special Award sponsored by Flannery Plant Hire