FMB Seeks Top Apprentices

Are your apprentices worth their weight in gold? Do they deserve special recognition? Do you run a building firm that prides itself on training new recruits?

If so, then the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) wants to hear from you. Nominations are invited for the "Best building project with a significant contribution from an apprentice or apprentices" category of the Master Builder of the Year 2004 awards.

The overall winner will not only win the coveted title of 'Master Builder of the Year 2004' but will also receive a brand new Light Commercial Vehicle of their choice from Nissan's extensive range.

Ian Davis, FMB Director General said: "This is open to all companies with talented apprentices, not just FMB members. We want to reward those companies which encourage apprentices to enter the industry and offer them excellent training.

"The apprentice award not only aims to showcase the talent that exists in the UK construction sector but to encourage more people to consider pursuing a rewarding career in one of the trades. Traditional trades have been neglected in favour of forcing youngsters down a more academic career path. The FMB and bodies such as CITB-ConstructionSkills are committed to addressing this trend."

The apprentice category of the Master Builder of the Year awards is sponsored by the CITB-ConstructionSkills, which recently launched its 'Positive Image 2003' campaign, aimed at communicating the benefits of apprenticeships to 13-19 year olds.

Fiona Kane, Head of Communications and Marketing, CITB-ConstructionSkills, said: "One of our key initiatives is to improve recruitment into the construction industry. As part of this we are delighted to be supporting the Master Builder of the Year awards."

Each of the 11 regional winners in the "Best building project with a significant contribution from an apprentice or apprentices" category will go forward to the national awards, to be presented during Interbuild 2004 at a gala luncheon at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at the NEC in Birmingham on Tuesday 27 April 2004.

So if you are a talented apprentice, if you run a building firm that prides itself on training new recruits or a client that encourages its contractors to train apprentices, you can find more details about the Master Builder of the Year Awards 2004 and request an entry form at www.findabuilder.co.uk or www.fmb.org.uk or by calling free on 08000 152 522. The closing date for entries is December 31st.