IT'S thanks to Sir Alan Sugar that being an apprentice is definitely back in fashion.

His TV programme The Apprentice has put the value of apprenticeships back on to the map and now, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has begun its hunt to find the nation's top apprentice.

The Apprentice of the Year Awards 2007 is a search for the cream of the construction industry's talent, with a top prize of £1,000.

The competition is being organised, in conjunction with the FMB's Master Builder of the Year Awards and is open to any UK apprentice in the construction industry, not just those who are working for FMB member firms.

Last year's winner, 19-year-old Sean Facey, was an apprentice for a small family-run firm. It was his exceptional carpentry skills, project management and "can do" attitude that won him the top prize of £1,000 and his training officer and boss each won a luxury weekend break.

Apprenticeships offered by quality building firms ensure that Britain builds a high standard of craftsmen and women for the future.

The FMB is determined to reward these often overlooked, talented young people, whose hard work, outstanding ability and positive attitude provides a valuable contribution to the businesses they work for.

John Watson, director of FMB Midland, said: "The construction industry is the UK's largest industry and it struggles to maintain a skilled, qualified workforce. The Apprentice of the Year Award not only offers the chance to put talented and deserving young people from the industry in the spotlight, but may also encourage other young people to consider a career in one of the construction trades."

The FMB is seeking nominations from employers, customers and tutors. So, whether you are a talented apprentice or you run a building firm that prides itself on training new recruits, you can find more details and download an entry form at www.findabuilder.co.uk or by calling 0870 162 0942.

The closing date for entries is Tuesday, July 31, and Sarah Beeny, presenter of Channel 4's Property Ladder will present the awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, on Thursday, November 8.