The Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) are once again on the hunt for the best craft apprentice in Scotland and are starting the process of accepting nominations for this year’s James Birnie Award for Craft Excellence.

Founded in 1934, the main purpose of the SBATC is to regulate the working conditions, wages, recruitment and training of apprenticeships within the building industry throughout Scotland.

Now in its eighth year, the award was the concept of James Birnie MBE - Jim worked in the industry for a good number of years and is a Past President of the Scottish Building Federation. He was honoured with the MBE in 1999 for his services to working conditions for the industry as a whole.

The honour is awarded to the best craft apprentice in Scotland, who is registered with SBATC and who has shown dedication, talent and initiative, among other skills, throughout their training within the industry. The award serves to demonstrate and reward the significant skills acquired by dedicated, talented apprentices.

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Last year for the first time the award recognised winners in two separate categories: Erik Laughton of R Clouston Ltd, Orkney in the category of Apprentice of the Year and Kara-Lyn MacKellar of C P D Ltd, Dunoon as Adult Apprentice of the Year.

Scotland accounts for approximately 35% of all apprenticeships in the UK, registering in the region of 4,000 apprentices each year. There is a proud tradition of apprenticeships in Scotland and the award reflects the remarkable successes of individuals in an extremely demanding but rewarding industry.

Candidates are judged on both practical and theoretical craft ability along with other contributory factors towards excellence, such as: organisational skills, communication skills and examples of the individual as a team player.

David Smith - Chairman of SBATC, commented, “It is absolutely crucial that the attraction of construction related careers be correctly projected to youngsters. Awards such as the James Birnie Award for Craft Excellence give the youngsters something to aspire to and encouragement is given to all apprentices to push themselves to achieve. I believe that only through a united stance on training, career structure, safety and quality will the industry gain the respect and profile it deserves”.

A panel will judge the nominees initially and select a short list based on the information received on the nomination form; those selected would then attend an informal interview to allow an overall winner to be selected.

Closing date for nominations is Friday, 20th July.

(CD)