NSCG apprentices sweep the board at Construction Plant-hire Association Stars of the Future 2021 awards

CPA Stars of the Future is an awards scheme for apprentices and trainees in the construction plant sector, set up by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA). The awards are intended to recognise and reward outstanding apprentices and trainees 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 future leaders - the Stars of the Future.

This was the ninth consecutive 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. Several national titles are now awarded and nominations have been made by training providers, plant-hire companies, manufacturers and others operation in the sector.

Up against 29 finalists across the regional awards, Dean Johnston from Liebherr scooped the coveted ‘Plant Mechanic of the Year-South’ award and went on to pick up the ‘National Plant Mechanic of the Year (Level 2)’ award. Meanwhile, Jason Pritchard from Focus Environmental/Edg-Tec won ‘Plant Mechanic of the Year – Midlands’ award and ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘National Plant Mechanic of the Year (Level 2) category. A phenomenal achievement for both apprentices.

In the ‘Plant Technician of the Year-Midlands’ awards, Tom Willgoose from Traction Equipment was awarded first place and went on to be recognised as ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘National Plant Technician of the Year’ category. Angus MacDonald from Briggs added to the hoard by winning ‘Plant Technician of the Year-Scotland’ award.

Congratulations also go out to shortlisted finalists, Joseph Westwood from Briggs Equipment (‘Plant Mechanic of the Year-Midlands) and James Benton from Genie PSR (‘Plant Technician of the Year’).

Commenting on the award wins Lisa Reading, Head of Engineering, Construction & Motor Vehicle at Stafford College said; “We are so proud of all our award nominees and winners, who have worked so hard during their time with us at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group. Each year we enter learners into the Stars of the Future award and this year, we have swept the board. There was tough competition in every category and coming away with so many awards is fantastic recognition for our students and their employers who work closely with us at NSCG. NSCG Stafford College also received recognition as a finalist in the ‘College of the Year’ category which is down to the hard work and enthusiasm of our teaching staff and their partnerships with employers. Well done to each and every one of our deserving winners.”

For more information on studying Plant Maintenance at Stafford College visit nscg.ac.uk, email info.stafford@nscg.ac.uk or call 01785 223800.