There’s a new award up for grabs in this year’s British Sign Awards – The Young Signmaker of the Year.
Sponsored by Roland DG, the award is designed to recognise and encourage the contribution made by young people to the UK Sign Industry.
“It’s a development of last year’s Apprentice of the Year award, also sponsored by Roland, but we’ve broadened the scope this year to make it accessible to more young signmakers,” explained David Catanach of the BSGA.
“We’re looking for young people up to 25 years of age who have demonstrated outstanding skill and commitment and are seen by their employers as rising stars in the organisation.
Brett Newman, Managing Director of Roland in the UK, said that young people bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the industry. “We are thrilled to work alongside the BSGA to recognise and celebrate the important contribution young people make to the sign industry,” he said.
David Catanach added: “Although we’re not awarding this year’s award specifically to an apprentice, formal training in some form – whether it’s a signmaking or equivalent apprenticeship or alternative training or education courses – should have been undertaken by nominees.”
Entrants for the award should be nominated by an employer or supervisor and should include a brief resume of why they consider the candidate deserves the award together with examples of work undertaken or projects completed and, where possible, a brief endorsement from a college or training provider.
Entries will be assessed by the panel of judges and a shortlist will be drawn-up. Each shortlisted entrant will then, by arrangement, be visited at their workplace.
“This award is about people rather than a piece of work and we feel the fairest way to reach a decision is to meet the finalists face-to-face,” said David.
Entry for the award is now open and the closing date for receipt of entries for this category is Friday, August 5th to allow time for the face-to-face meetings. Entry to the awards is free and entry forms and full details can be found at www.britishsignawards.org
In total 15 awards will be presented at this year’s awards ceremony which will take place at East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on Thursday, 3rd November when broadcaster Bill Turnbull will be the master of ceremonies. Full details of all the awards can be found on the website.
European Sign Federation