Myerscough plant apprentices recognised in national ceremony

The ‘Stars of The Future’ Awards is an annual event organised by the Construction Plant-Hire Association, in conjunction with training providers from across the country who offer plant courses.

Nominees were assessed on their attitude and quality of work throughout the year, both at their college and in the workplace environment and there are separate prize schemes for Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices, at both regional and national level.

Myerscough College had two regional finalists:

Plant Mechanic of the Year - North

Natalie Coulton, Allan J Hargreaves Plant Engineers, Myerscough College - Highly Commended

Also nominated: Thomas Meadow and Jon Kittoe

Plant Technician of the Year - North

Ben Thomas, Brandon Hire Station, Myerscough College - Highly Commended

Also nominated: Faris Cooke and Charles Kett.

Both attend Myerscough College on block release from their employer during their apprenticeships.

This was the tenth year that the CPA - the UK’s leading trade association for the plant hire sector - has hosted the awards, which rewards apprentices across a number of categories.

Apprentices are assessed throughout the academic year on their work in college and in their work environment, and the enthusiasm and commitment they bring to learning. The awards are intended to recognise and reward outstanding apprentices who not only bring ability and commitment to their learning and their work, but also possess those extra capabilities which mark them out as being not only the foundations of the future of the industry, but also potentially its leaders - the Stars of the Future.

Over 250 people attended the CPA Stars of the Future Awards hosted at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley near Coventry. The awards are intended to recognise and reward outstanding apprentices and trainees in the construction plant sector and this year the CPA received a total of 72 nominations, representing the highest ever entry figure in the awards programme’s 10 year history.

Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the CPA said: “The standard of entries for Stars of the Future this year was exceptional and the judges certainly had a difficult task on their hands choosing the winners. This year’s nominees were in contention for some fabulous prizes, including tool kits, training courses, iPads, an overseas trip to visit a crane manufacturing plant and a trip to the Bauma exhibition in Munich, Germany. It really is pleasing to see the future of our industry is in safe hands.”