Stars of the Future

What is CPA Stars of the Future?

CPA Stars of the Future is an awards scheme for apprentices and trainees in the construction plant sector, set up by the CPA over 10 years ago. The 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 and attitudes which mark them out as being not only the foundations of the future of the industry, but also potentially its future leaders - the Stars of the Future.

When Does it Run?

The awards programme runs each year. Through sponsorship, CPA awards prizes to apprentices and trainees for each category who are judged as Stars of the Future. Apprentices and trainees will be judged on their academic work through their college or training provider, and on their skills and employee attributes in their work environment through their employer.

Who is Eligible?

Stars of the Future is open to those on an apprenticeship or formal training programme. There are six categories, each with their own distinctive award:

Plant Mechanic (Level 2)
Plant Technician (Level 3)
Lifting Technician
Plant Operative
Hire Controller
Plant Installer

For 2023, we are introducing a new award for Apprentice Mentors. See further down this page for more information.

We are also providing an additional sub-award for Young Plant Operative of the Year. 

When are the Awards?

The Stars of the Future 2023 awards ceremony will take place at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley near Coventry on 6th July 2023.

Details of the 2022 event and winners can be viewed here.

Who can Nominate an Apprentice or Trainee?

Either the employer or training provider is able nominate an apprentice or trainee.

What do Apprentices and their Employers Need to Do?

All apprentices and those on formal training programmes for each occupation are eligible. Employers and training providers need to complete a nomination form which seeks information about the skills, achievements and attributes of the apprentice or trainee. 

The nomination form further provides a section for each apprentice or trainee to give an account of themselves and the good work they have undertaken both in the workplace and at the training centre. 

How many Winners are there?

For Plant Mechanics and Technicians, each participating college or employer can identify their Stars of the Future according to CPA's criteria (each at level 2 and level 3). This identifies the regional winners from across the country. These apprentices are then assessed to identify a national winner at each level. The regions for these categories are: North, Midlands, South, Wales and Scotland.

For the Lifting Technician, Hire Controller and Plant Installer awards, there is one national award for each category. For 2023, the Plant Operative category is being divided by age with the introduction of a 'Young Operative' award as well as the Plant Operative award.

Who Decides the Winners?

The CPA co-ordinates a Stars of the Future judging panel consisting of invited representatives from the construction plant sector and CPA staff, all of who need to be impartial to any nominee and experienced in the training and education of trainees in the plant sector.

What are the Prizes?

Stars of the Future winners will be in contention for a number of impressive prizes depending on the category entered. Previous prizes have included the likes of fully equipped tool kits, iPads, training courses and all-expenses trips abroad.

Making a Nomination 

The nomination forms for all categories for Stars of the Future 2023 can be downloaded using the link below.

New for 2023 – Apprentice Mentor Supplementary Award

Although Stars is intended to recognise and reward outstanding apprentices and trainees who are recognised as the foundation for the future of the industry and potentially its future leaders, the successful learning journey of any apprentice or trainee is only possible through the guidance, help and support provided by co-workers and/or other employees of the organisation.

In many cases, the apprentice/trainee is assigned to a single or small group of co-workers who act in a mentoring role in supporting and guiding the apprentice/trainee, not just on technical and work processes but also at a pastoral-role level for relationships, welfare and behavioural support during their learning journey.

To recognise individuals who’ve willingly undertaken this important function, a new Stars award is being provided in 2023 for the role of Apprentice Mentor. Employers are invited to nominate a co-worker who has been designated to directly assisting the apprentice /trainee during their learning journey and who should be recognised as a role model for others to seek future roles as a mentor.

The award criteria and the nomination form can be downloaded using the link below.

Sponsorship for 2023 Event

We are delighted to confirm that the CPA Stars of the Future Awards 2023 will be held in association with event sponsors CRJ Services, Flannery Plant Hire, GAP Group, L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage and Sunbelt Rentals and award sponsors ACOP Group, Liebherr, M O'Brien Plant Hire, NOCN Group, Plant Planet, Southern Hoist Services, Tower Staff Construction and Wolffkran.

Sponsorship and involvement opportunities are available for 2023. For further information, please contact Lisa Collins on 07968 840390 or email lisa@lisacollinscommunications.co.uk