Nomination forms are available on the CPA website and nominations can be made by the closing deadline of 22nd March 2024. The awards scheme is organised by the CPA and has been running for over 10 years, identifying some of the industry’s brightest up-and-coming talent.

The CPA received almost 100 nominations across the various categories last year - an increase of more than 30% on the previous highest ever total - and even more entries are anticipated this year.

There are awards for Plant Mechanic of the Year (Level 2), Plant Technician of the Year (Level 3), Plant Operative of the Year, Young Plant Operative of the Year, Plant Installer of the Year, Lifting Technician of the Year, Hire Controller of the Year, Apprentice Mentor of the Year and College of the Year. All nominees are also eligible for special awards including the Judges’ Special Award and the Best Personal Statement Award.

The CPA is the leading trade association for the plant-hire sector in the UK, with over 1,900 members who supply over 85% of hired plant to the construction and allied industries.

The 2024 winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley, near Coventry, on 11th July 2024. Stars of the Future winners will be in contention for a number of prizes, as well as national recognition. Previous prizes have included tool kits, iPads and an all-expenses overseas trip to visit a Liebherr crane manufacturing plant in Germany.

Stars of the Future nominations are welcomed from all employers including plant-hire companies, manufacturers, contractors, suppliers and others operating in the construction sector with apprentices and trainees in their workforce.

The national winners for Stars of the Future 2023 were John Murray of John Maciver & Sons and National Construction College Scotland (Plant Mechanic of the Year), Bradley Baker of GGR Group and The Growth Company (Plant Technician of the Year), Roksana Przybylska of L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage (Plant Operative of the Year), Chloe Jones of Flannery Plant Hire and Harnoorpreet Singh Gill of L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage (Joint Winners of Young Plant Operative of the Year), Spencer Bond of Wolffkran (Plant Installer of the Year), Lee Tanner of Wolffkran (Lifting Technician of the Year), Teah Stapleton of Kilnbridge Construction Services (Hire Controller of the Year), Dean Duru of Boels Rental (Individual Apprentice Mentor of the Year), Gez Bonner of L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage (Group Apprentice Mentor of the Year), Shannon Bristow of Speedy Services and Askham Bryan College (Best Personal Statement Award) and Sean Palmer of Gorrel Equipment Solutions and Bridgend College (Judges’ Special Award).