Myerscough construction 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.

James Bury, who works at Ainscough Crane Hire while undertaking his apprenticeship, was named Plant Mechanic of the Year – North winner.

A spokesperson for Ainscough said: ‘’These awards recognise the industry's most talented emerging professionals, celebrating the dedication, technical excellence and commitment that are shaping the future of construction plant.

‘’To be recognised amongst the very best talent in the country is an achievement in itself and one he should be incredibly proud of.

‘’These successes reflect not only the hard work of James, but also the commitment of our trainers, mentors and colleagues who help develop the next generation of industry professionals every day.’’

This was the 13^th 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.

Held at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre near Coventry, this year’s apprentice and trainee awards achieved a record-breaking milestone, attracting 109 nominations – the highest number received since the CPA first introduced the Stars of the Future Awards in 2013.

The awards continue to showcase the outstanding talent developing across the construction plant sector, recognising the industry’s future leaders in occupations including Plant Mechanics, Plant Technicians, Hire Controllers, Plant Operatives, Young Plant Operatives, Plant Installers, Crane Operatives, Technical Support People and Apprentice Mentors, together with recipients of the Judges’ Special Award and Best Personal Statement Award.

This year’s awards featured 25 national, regional and special award categories, making it the largest Stars of the Future programme to date. A total of 13 expert judges from the CPA and across the construction plant industry dedicated more than 1,600 hours to assessing entries.

Over 350 guests attended the awards ceremony, hosted by industry journalist, influencer and vlogger Peter Haddock.

Myerscough learners were also recognised in the following categories:

Best Personal Statement Award:

Mason Pooley, Sunbelt Rentals – Winner

Plant Technician of the Year – Midlands:

Frankie Thompson, Sunbelt Rentals – Highly Commended

CPA Chief Executive Officer Steve Mulholland said: “The continued growth of the Stars of the Future Awards demonstrates the incredible commitment our industry is making to developing the next generation of skilled professionals. Receiving a record 109 nominations and seeing such an exceptionally high standard of entries made this our most competitive year ever.

“Every nominee should be immensely proud of their achievements, and congratulations go to all of this year’s winners. It is particularly rewarding to see so many previous Stars of the Future winners progressing into senior roles across the industry, proving the lasting impact these awards can have on careers.

“We are also extremely grateful to our sponsors, whose support enables us to recognise and reward excellence across the sector. This year’s winners received an outstanding range of prizes, including professional toolboxes, iPads, certified training courses and two overseas study trips to Germany. Finally, sincere thanks go to our 13 judges, who collectively dedicated more than 1,600 hours to the judging process, reflecting the care and diligence required in what was undoubtedly our toughest competition to date.”

On the day, Richard Holden, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, sent a message to all nominees via video link.

He said: “Congratulations to everyone shortlisted for the Stars of the Future Awards this year. What you’ve achieved, the skills that you’ve developed, the dedication that you’ve shown, is something to be genuinely proud of.

‘’As Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, I see every day how critical skilled people are to delivering the infrastructure this country needs.

“Events like Stars of the Future put a spotlight on the careers and the technical training that can really lead to a fantastic career and a fantastic future. Events like this are a great way to showcase the leaders of tomorrow. To every finalist and winner here today, whether you’re a Plant Mechanic, a Crane Operator, a Hire Controller, or any of the other extraordinary careers that you young people are doing, you should all be very proud at being recognised today.

‘’I want you to know that what you’re doing really matters. You’re not just starting jobs, you’re building careers, you’re building a better Britain. Congratulations to you all.”

Stars of the Future had a two-tier judging process – the CPA selection panel and a panel of external judges who decided the eventual winners of each category.