The Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) has opened nominations for the 2026/27 SPOA Apprenticeship Awards.

This year's process has been broadened to allow SPOA member companies across Scotland to nominate exceptional apprentices from within their own businesses, regardless of whether their training is delivered through CITB or another provider.

There are two categories: Plant Operator of the Year and Plant Mechanic of the Year. Entries are open to apprentices employed by an SPOA member company who are still in training, or who have completed their apprenticeship within the 12 months prior to the nomination deadline.

Members can submit nominations via a short application, and supporting evidence is welcomed. The application form can be downloaded from the SPOA website.

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All nominations will be reviewed by a judging panel comprising Gail McEwen, Darran Mellish and Craig Purvis from the SPOA Executive Committee.

Gail McEwen, Vice President of the SPOA, said: "The SPOA Apprenticeship Awards are now in their fifth year and announcing the winners is always a highlight of the SPOA Annual Dinner. By introducing this change in the nomination process we hope that more of our members will get involved in acknowledging and celebrating their apprentices who represent such an investment in the future of the industry.

"We know that there are some exceptional apprentices within our member businesses and the SPOA Apprenticeship Awards is a great way of celebrating the talent in our industry. Good luck to all our apprentices who receive a nomination!"

Recent recipients include Sam Griffin and Kate MacLeod (2025/26), Ross Gorman and Lara Mcleman (2024/25), Sandy Coull and Lewis Frew (2023/24), and Deklyn Feather and Andrew Manson (2022/23).

The nomination deadline is 30 November, with the 2026/27 Plant Operator of the Year and Plant Mechanic of the Year to be announced at the SPOA Annual Dinner on 5 February 2027 at the Glasgow Hilton.