The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is on the hunt for the best young talent in Britain.

And those who nominate an apprentice stand the chance of winning a £3,000 holiday.

Barry Oliver, FMB regional director, said: "There is a real shortage of new talent coming into the industry and, by highlighting the achievements of apprentices in the North-East, we want to demonstrate that construction offers a wide variety of excellent and rewarding career options."

Apprentice of the year is one of eight individual categories in the 2005 master builder of the year awards.

The award is open to any UK building apprentice, who must be nominated by their employer, customer, tutor or by a member of the CITB ConstructionSkills regional team.

Entries do not have to show the apprentice has been involved in the biggest or most complicated projects - just that they have used a high level of skill in their chosen trade.

Winners for each category will be chosen from the north and they will then go forward to the national awards.

The overall winner will receive a Nissan light commercial vehicle of their choice.

Customers who would like to nominate an apprentice can find more details and download an entry form at the website www.findabuilder.co.uk or by calling freephone 08000 152 522.

The closing date for entries is May 31, and the winners will be presented with their awards by Sarah Beeny, presenter of Channel 4's Property Ladder, on September 8.