The Trades Awards have always been about the people behind the industry.

From apprentices just starting out to those who’ve spent years building a career in construction, these awards are a chance to recognise the individuals who make a real difference day to day.

And one thing that’s worth saying straight away, you don’t have to wait for someone else to nominate you.

If you’re proud of what you’ve achieved, you can absolutely enter yourself. Or, if there’s someone in your team or network who stands out, you can put them forward instead. Some of the best entries we see come from colleagues or managers who just want to recognise someone’s hard work.

The Individual Categories

There are a number of categories focused on individuals, each recognising a different stage of someone’s career.

For those just starting out, Apprentice of the Year is all about growth. Judges want to see how someone has developed, how they’ve approached learning, and the attitude they bring to their role. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing progress, effort, and a genuine interest in the trade.

The Rising Star category is for those who are already making an impact early in their career. This might be someone taking on more responsibility, bringing new ideas to the table, or just standing out within their team. Judges are looking for potential as much as performance here.

For more experienced roles, Site Manager of the Year recognises people who keep projects moving. It’s about leadership, organisation, and the ability to deal with the day-to-day challenges that come with managing a site. Clear communication, strong safety standards, and problem solving all come into play.

Tradesperson of the Year is one of the most competitive categories each year. It’s about skill, consistency, and pride in your work. Judges are interested in the quality of what you deliver, but also how you work with clients and the reputation you’ve built.

New for 2026, Inspiring Women in Construction recognises the contribution women are making across the industry. That might be through leadership, mentoring, or simply the way they’re influencing those around them and helping to move the industry forward.

And finally, the Outstanding Contribution Award looks at the bigger picture. This is for someone who has made a long-term impact on the industry, whether that’s through their career, their involvement in training or mentoring, or the influence they’ve had on others.

What Are Judges Actually Looking For?

Across all categories, it comes down to the same thing, real people, real work, and real impact.

Judges aren’t expecting polished marketing submissions. What they’re looking for is a clear, honest picture of what someone does and why it matters.

That could be examples of work, feedback from clients or colleagues, or even just a simple explanation of how someone has gone above and beyond in their role.

Photos, testimonials, qualifications, or project examples can all help bring an entry to life, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. The strongest entries are usually the ones that feel genuine.

Why People Awards Matter

Taking the time to recognise someone can have a bigger impact than people expect.

It builds confidence, it shows appreciation, and it gives people a moment to step back and realise what they’ve achieved.

And more often than not, those are the moments people remember.

Know Someone Who Deserves It?

If someone in your team or network stands out, this is your chance to recognise them.

And if that person is you, don’t be afraid to put yourself forward.

Start your application today.