11.07.2024

Stars of the future

In the UK the CPA - the Construction Plant Association - held its award ceremony for the top UK apprentices in the equipment sector earlier today.

As always there was a strong turnout with several hundred young trainee operators, hire-desk controllers, technicians and mechanics etc..
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The winners are:

Plant Mechanic of the year – Bethan Whittaker from KJ Services in Wales – possibly the first woman to win the award?
Plant Technician of the Year – Morgan Wardle of Banks Plant Solutions
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Morgan Wardle

Hire Controller of the year – Millie Scott-Young of Sunbelt Rentals
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The Hire Controller award goes to … Millie Scott-Young of Sunbelt

Operator of the year – Reece Stray of LLynch
Young Plant Operative (operator) – Josh Jones of LLynch
Lifting Technician of the year - Zac Bradshaw of Commhoist
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Zac Bradshaw receives his award

Plant Installer of the year – Hayden Chappell of Southern Hoist Services
College of the year – Bridgend College
Apprentice Mentor of the year Individual - Steve Gwynn of Sunbelt Rentals
Apprentice Mentor of the year - group – Dave Rogers of LLynch
Best Personal Statement – Shannon Weiss
Judges Special Award – Tom Williams of CBL
Judges Special Award – for International Development – Courtney Price of SMT
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The National UK winners

Vertikal Comment
It is inspiring to see so many young students learning to play a leading role in the construction equipment industry, whether that be technician or on the Hire desk.
We would like to see more powered access, crane and telehandler students/apprentices to be put forward for the 2025 awards – so start thinking about it.
A full review of the event will be published in the next Cranes & Access magazine.

Entries for the 2025 awards open in January - if you have any great apprentices get planning!!