The awards have been broadened for 2026/27 in a bid to give SPOA member companies in Scotland the chance to nominate distinguished apprentices from their own businesses, whether their training is delivered via the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) or an alternative training provider.

The two categories for the SPOA Apprenticeship Awards are: Plant Operator of the Year and Plant Mechanic of the Year. 

Apprentices employed by a SPOA member company who are either still in training or who have finished their apprenticeship in the year prior to the closing date for nominations are eligible for the awards. 

Members can nominate via an application process, with supporting evidence being welcomed. Application forms can be downloaded via the SPOA website here.

All nominations will be considered by the judging panel, which consists of Gail McEwen, Darran Mellish and Craig Purvis from the SPOA Executive Committee.

Speaking about the SPOA Apprenticeship Awards 2026/27, 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.”

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