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.

A highlights video from the Stars of the Future 2024 Awards can be viewed below and you can read more about the winners here.

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 now eight categories, each with their own distinctive award:

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

When are the Awards?

The Stars of the Future 2024 awards ceremony took place at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley near Coventry on Thursday 11th July 2024. A highlights video from the awards can be viewed below.

The 2025 Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 10th July 2025.

Making a Nomination

Nominations for the 2024 awards are now closed.

Stars of the Future nominations are welcomed from all employers including plant and crane hire companies, manufacturers, contractors, suppliers and others operating in the construction plant and crane sectors with apprentices and trainees in their workforce. Training providers may also nominate apprentices and trainees in conjunction with the employer.

Who can Nominate an Apprentice or Trainee?

Either the employer or training provider is able to 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, Plant Installer and Apprentice Mentor awards, there is one national award for each category. The Plant Operative category is divided by age through 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.

Sponsorship

We are delighted that the CPA Stars of the Future Awards 2024 were held in association with event sponsors GAP Group and L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, award sponsors ACOP Group, Liebherr, L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, M O'Brien Plant Hire, NOCN Group, Southern Hoist Services, Wolffkran and lunch sponsors Plant Planet. The event was also supported by JCB. Please see the highlights video below.

We will be seeking sponsorship for the 2025 awards. For further information, please contact Lisa Collins on 07968 840390 or email lisa@lisacollinscommunications.co.uk