NSCG Apprentices Recognised for Industry Excellence at Kelly Tanks Awards
05 March 2026
Apprentices from Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at the second Kelly Tanks Apprenticeship Awards.
Hosted at Kelly Tanks’ headquarters at Sandon Bank in Stafford, the ceremony brought together apprentices from across the construction, engineering and plant maintenance sectors to celebrate their dedication, skill and contribution to the industry throughout their apprenticeship journeys.
Kelly Tanks, a leading designer and supplier of Concrete Washout and Water Treatment Solutions to the construction industry, operates the UK’s largest and most diverse fleet of washout systems, with distributors spanning Ireland, New Zealand and Canada.
The awards recognised first, second and third-year apprentices, with both a winner and runner-up named in each category. The event welcomed apprentices and employers from across the United Kingdom, including McHale Komatsu, Quattro Plant Ltd, Thomas Plant Hire, Liebherr Group, National Plant Solutions and GenAir UK Ltd.
The First Year Apprentice Award was presented to Kai Roberts, a Level 3 Construction Equipment Maintenance Technician with National Plant Solutions. The Second Year Apprentice Award went to Jack Lovesey, a Level 3 Land-Based Service Engineering Technician at Liebherr-GB. Jack has also recently been recognised nationally, winning Plant Mechanic of the Year at the 2025 Star of the Future Apprentice Awards, where he won over eight other finalists from across the UK.
The Third Year Apprentice Award was awarded to Oliver Noble, a Level 3 Land-Based Service Engineering Technician with Quattro Plant Hire, who recently celebrated achieving a distinction in his apprenticeship and completing his studies five months ahead of schedule.
A fourth accolade, the Kelly Tanks Choice Award, was presented to Christopher Nelson, a Level 3 Land-Based Service Engineering Technician with McHale Komatsu. This award celebrates a nominated apprentice who particularly impressed the judging panel.
All winners received a trophy and certificate, alongside a gift of Makita power tools to support them as they progress in their careers.
Jack Keightley was awarded second place for the First Year Apprentice award, followed by Level 2 Agriculture Apprentice John-David Urquhart, who was named runner up for the Second Year Apprentice award.
Eddie Peake, Curriculum Leader in Construction Plant at NSCG, said: “We are extremely grateful to Mark, Kelly and all the team at Kelly Tanks for their continued support and for hosting the ceremony for a second year.
“The event reinforced the strong partnership between NSCG Stafford College and Kelly Tanks, who consistently provide our learners with exposure to forward-thinking engineering solutions which ensures that our curriculum remains aligned with the industry.
“Partnerships such as this strengthen both education and industry, creating meaningful opportunities for learners and supporting workforce development across the sector.”
Mark Stubbs, Director of Kelly Tanks, said: “It was an honour to be able to put together an event to recognise and support new and upcoming apprentices, and to hear of their journey so far and to learn how innovation and new technology is playing a vast role in the maintenance of equipment.
“Congratulations to all of the worthy winners and a huge thank you to everyone who helped to put on this great event.”