Rising Star Award

Awarded: October 23, 2026 | Submission Deadline: August 14, 2026

This award recognizes an emerging professional in the construction industry who is contributing to a strong, innovative, and resilient sector. This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate initiative, leadership potential, and a commitment to making construction a better place to work—through their actions, attitudes, and impact on others.

This award honours not only professional success, but the positive influence a nominee has on others. We welcome nominations that highlight practical, hands‑on leadership and authentic stories.

Eligibility Criteria
  • The nominee must be considered an early career or emerging professional (generally under 40 years of age)
  • The nominee must currently be employed by a CANS member company in good standing
  • The nominee must reside in or conduct work in Nova Scotia
  • Nominees may be involved in any sector of the construction industry
  • Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome

Submission Requirements

All nominations must include a written submission of no more than 1,200 words total that clearly addresses each of the five criteria. We recommend drafting your submission in Word to help track your word count. Submissions exceeding the limit will not be reviewed by the selection committee.

Supporting materials are welcome and encouraged and are not included in the word count.

  1. Background and Career Development (maximum 20 points)

Provide an overview of the nominee’s background and entry into the construction industry. Reference relevant training, certifications, work experience, or challenges that have influenced their career development.

  1. Industry Leadership and Workplace Impact (maximum 25 points)

Describe the nominee’s impact within their role or organization. Consider:

  • Reliability, accountability, and work ethic
  • Contributions to project success or team performance
  • Taking initiative or responsibility beyond assigned duties
  • Improvements to safety, quality, efficiency, or collaboration

  1. Leadership Potential and Initiative (maximum 20 points)

Explain how the nominee demonstrates leadership qualities, regardless of job title. Examples may include:

  • Supporting coworkers, apprentices, or new employees
  • Informally leading tasks, crews, or problem-solving efforts
  • Modeling professionalism and positive workplace behaviour
  • Pursuing learning and skills development

  1. Industry or Community Involvement (maximum 20 points)

Outline any involvement beyond day-to-day job responsibilities, such as:

  • Participation in industry groups, training initiatives, or events
  • Engagement with schools, career fairs, or workforce outreach
  • Community volunteering connected to construction or skilled trades
  • Promoting construction careers through public or local activities

  1. Overall Impact and Future Promise (maximum 15 points)

Describe why this individual stands out as an emerging leader in construction. Address their long-term potential, influence on others, and commitment to the industry.

Supporting Materials

Nominees are encouraged to include up to three supporting documents, such as:

  • Letters of support from supervisors, peers or clients
  • Project summaries or photographs
  • Recognition, certifications, or awards
  • Media articles or internal communications

All supporting materials must be clearly labelled and referenced in your submission. Supporting materials are not included in the overall word count; however, they should be limited to the most relevant and impactful items only and must not exceed six pages total. Materials submitted beyond this limit will not be reviewed by the selection committee.



Award Process and Conditions


Designated Company Representative

All award recipients will be announced at the CANS Awards Gala. Each nomination must include a designated company representative who will act as liaison with CANS if the nominee is selected. This individual must:

  • Maintain confidentiality until the public announcement at the Gala
  • Confirm attendance at the CANS Awards Gala or assign a representative

Selected recipients will participate in a brief interview process following judging. Portions of the interview may be recorded for presentation at the Gala.

How to Submit
  • Submit your nomination by August 14, 2026, at 4 p.m. A.T.
  • This nomination will be completed in a form format, with each criterion addressed in its own response field. You may distribute your total word count of up to 1,200 words across the sections as you see fit.
  • Individual deadline extensions will not be granted. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Selection Process

A committee of industry leaders will review all nominations. Submissions will be evaluated out of 100 points based on the criteria above, with consideration given to clarity, authenticity, and demonstrated impact. The award recipient will be selected based on total score.