20th Annual Tradesperson of the Year Awards

Since 2006, the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation’s Tradesperson of the Year Awards have celebrated outstanding achievements in the ship repair industry workforce. From a pool of nominees, two exceptional individuals are selected: a senior tradesperson with more than five years of experience, and a junior tradesperson with fewer than five years in their chosen trade. These nominees and winners represent the pinnacle of talent and dedication that make Virginia’s ship repairers the best in the world.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the VSRF ensures that all sponsorships are tax-deductible, with funds supporting initiatives to enhance and grow the future ship repair workforce.

Recognizing excellence in our workforce is more important now than ever. Both your Association and Foundation are committed to this mission.

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS!

The nomination period for the 2026 20th Annual VSRF Tradesperson of the Year Awards is officially open! There are many superstar folks out there, and we want to ensure that all the fabulous tradespeople of VSRA have the opportunity to be considered for selection of this prestigious award.

Nomination Deadline:
Friday, December 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Late nominations will NOT be considered.

Submit Nominations to:
Outreach@VirginiaShipRepair.org

 Tradesperson Nomination Form Tutorial

To improve the strength of your nomination, it is strongly encouraged that nominators take few minutes to review the Nomination Tips & Requirements and watch this video before getting started. It’s a quick and worthwhile investment that can significantly impact the success of your nomination!

 (If are having trouble viewing the above video, please click here)

We also encourage nominators to use the SAMPLE Nomination Forms as a guide:

SAMPLE Junior Tradesperson of the Year Nomination Form

SAMPLE Senior Tradesperson of the Year Nomination Form

Download the FILLABLE Junior and Senior Tradesperson of the Year nomination forms below:

Junior Tradesperson of the Year Nomination Form

Senior Tradesperson of the Year Nomination Form

Nomination Form Tips & Requirements:

The judges are looking for specific examples that demonstrate how the nominee has distinguished themselves from others in the profession through exceptional expertise, leadership, innovation, and commitment to the industry. Please focus on accomplishments that go beyond the normal duties and expectations of the nominee's position.

Simply performing the responsibilities required of the job, maintaining certifications, or meeting standard industry expectations does not, by itself, demonstrate the level of achievement the judges are seeking. Instead, describe how the nominee has exceeded expectations and stood out among peers. Examples may include:

• Developing innovative solutions to industry-specific challenges
• Improving processes, procedures, efficiency, quality, or safety outcomes
• Demonstrating exceptional leadership, mentorship, or workforce development
• Implementing creative ideas that positively impacted a project, organization, or the industry
• Making significant contributions that resulted in measurable improvements or lasting benefits
• Demonstrating meaningful community involvement, volunteerism, outreach, mentorship, or service.

Judges also consider factors such as creativity, safety, and professional growth when evaluating nominations. The strongest nominations will be specific and detailed.

To preserve anonymity during the judging process, please refrain from using the nominee's name, company name, customer name, ship or vessel name, contract name, project title, facility name, or other identifying information anywhere in the nomination narrative sections. Nomination forms will be redacted to remove key identifiers prior to judging; however, extensive use of identifying information may result in portions of the narrative being removed, reducing the information available for evaluation and potentially impacting the nominee's score.

Please refer to the individual as NOMINEE, THEY, THEM, or THEIR.

Additionally, please do not submit copies of licenses, certifications, or training certificates, particularly if they contain the nominee's or employer's name. Judges recognize that active professionals in the trade are expected to maintain the credentials required for their occupation. Instead, focus supporting documentation on achievements, contributions, innovations, and accomplishments that demonstrate excellence beyond standard job requirements.

The judges look for specific examples of expertise, leadership and commitment that go above and beyond the standard expectation. Please be descriptive in your answers. Other factors that affect decision-making are: creativity, safety, professionalism, growth, and community engagement. Aside from the first page of the nomination form, please refrain from using the nominee’s name or company name in your nominee descriptions. Additionally, refrain from using HE or SHE within nominee descriptions. Instead, please use NOMINEE, THEY, THEM, or THEIR to maintain anonymity of the individual.

Please refrain from submitting their certificates or licenses, especially if these items contain their name and company's name. The judges are aware that if they are actively working in the industry, they must have these. 

Contact Anika Clickener with any questions at 757-233-7034, or by emailing AClickener@VirginiaShipRepair.org or Outreach@VirginiaShipRepair.org.

Platinum Sponsorship by:

Prizes Sponsored by: