Rising stars challenge

Now launched and open for entries, the Master Fitter Challenge 2020/21 features a new ‘Rising Stars’ challenge for those who have been installing for under two years, alongside its traditional competition for experienced installers.

The Master Fitter Challenge 2020/21 will see finals take place during April 2021 with winners presented with their awards and prizes at the FIT Show in May next year.

Launched at the inaugural FIT Show the contest will allow participating installers to nominate timber, aluminium or PVCU products as their specialist field of expertise in order to generate a best-in-class result for each category.

The rules for the Master Fitter Challenge will be similar to previous years, but with a greater emphasis on the use of video judging in earlier rounds in order to accommodate ongoing social distancing requirements. Online interviews will also be carried out, which will feature non-scripted questions about installing, building regulations and other key areas. These techniques will be complemented by on-site judging in later rounds, and will cover off such demanding elements as bay and bow windows, bifolding doors, box sashes or other products nominated by the installer in the material in which they chose to specialise.

A head-to-head live final will be held in April 2021 featuring the two most successful competitors, where they will be required to install products in at least three material types.

The new ‘Rising Stars’ challenge will also see entrants judged by video content, online interview, shared on-screen visuals and on-site activity. Support and mentoring will be offered to entrants as they pass through the challenge’s early rounds to help in their skills development.

Entrants of this competition will be asked to install a window, traditional door or a composite door. As with the Master Fitter Challenge a head-to-head will be held for the final two winners in April 2021.

Mick Clayton, chief executive officer of GQA, which is managing the Master Fitter Challenge, said: “These challenges are a great way for installers to showcase their skills, and over the years we have seen some brilliant installers help to show the industry in its best light.”

Nickie West, operations director at The FIT Show, said: “Installers are such an important part of the market, and it is right that we should try to recognise their skills, commitment and dedication to doing a great job to the highest standards every day.”

www.masterfitterchallenge.co.uk