MASTER FITTER CHALLENGE – RISING STARS CHALLENGE LAUNCHED

The ever-popular Master Fitter Challenge is back. Now officially launched and open for entries, the Master Fitter Challenge 2020/21 now features not only its traditional competition for experienced installers, but a brand new and exciting ‘Rising Stars’ challenge for those who have been installing for under two years.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, bi-folding 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 at which they will be required to install products in at least three material types.The new 'Rising Stars' challenge will also see entrants judged by means of a mixture of 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.GQA, the fenestration industry’s leading awarding body, is managing the Master Fitter Challenge once again. Mick Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of GQA says:"We all know when it comes to installation the highest standards are so important, arguably the most important thing in the industry. Here at GQA we're constantly striving to raise these standards even further. We know that many thousands of installers in the industry feel exactly the same as we do and it’s why we are delighted once again to be managing the Master Fitter Challenge and the brand new Rising Stars Challenge. 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, and major promoter of the Master Fitter Challenge shared her thoughts:"The Master Fitter Challenge has been a part of the FIT Show since the very first event and has been a great success every time. 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. We are delighted that once again the Master Fitter Challenge will be a major part of the FIT Show in 2021, and that for the first time we have introduced a new Rising Stars Challenge to complement it for those newer to the industry. It’s something we are really excited about. All of us at the FIT Show would encourage as many installers as possible to join the challenge, and we would like to wish all those who do the very best of luck!"For more information on how to enter visit www.masterfitterchallenge.co.uk