Markel Direct, the specialist tradespeople insurer, has announced the launch of The Nation’s A* Apprentice award to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2024.

The award aims to celebrate the outstanding work skilled trades apprentices all over the UK are doing within their workplace, whilst also highlighting the important role apprentices will play in the future of the trades and construction industry.

To enter for the award, the UK public will be given the opportunity to nominate an apprentice whom they believe to be “The Nation’s A* Apprentice”. Nominations will be judged against a range of criteria, as a panel of judges, made up of industry experts, will be looking for three apprentices who have gone above and beyond their general role, clearly demonstrate what it means to be a team player and have overcome any personal challenges to create a positive impact in their role as an apprentice. Nominations are open until Friday 23rd February and can be submitted at www.markeluk.com/apprentice/nominate-an-apprentice.

The winners will receive a development package worth up to £5,000, consisting of:

A Festool toolkit and accessories worth £4,000
24-hour tools cover for a year from Markel Direct
£750 to spend on TuffStuff workwear
Following the nomination stage, a judging panel of Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct, Louis Timpany, CEO and Founder of Fix Radio, and James Wilson, Marketing Manager at Festool, will assess a shortlist of finalists and select three winners to receive The Nation’s A* Apprentice award. The winners will be announced in the week commencing the 18th March 2024.

Speaking about the competition, Rob Rees said: “As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are excited to launch this award to promote the outstanding work apprentices are doing within the UK trades and construction industry. In light of the current skills crisis within the UK trades sector, it’s crucial that we highlight the importance of apprenticeships and the pivotal role they’ll play in moving the industry forward in the coming years”.

For more information on the award, visit the Markel Direct website: www.markeluk.com/apprentice