The CPA has recognised a number of mechanic apprentices during its annual event to identify the industry’s brightest talent
The UK’s top performing plant mechanic apprentices have been recognised for their achievements during the Stars of the Future event.
Hosted by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and in collaboration with A-Plant, the awards also received support from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Additional support for the event came from JCB, Hawk Group, IPAF, Snap-on Tools, My Future My Choice and Plantworx.
High standard of entries
This year saw almost 750 eligible plant mechanic apprentices from over 300 companies enter. The event, which is in its fifth year, was hosted at Hangar 42, adjacent to the main Plantworx showground.
It aims to recognise talent in the industry and this year focused on plant mechanic apprentices who were assessed throughout the academic year for their work in college and in the field.
Ambitions for the future
There were two national winners as well as 20 regional winners for NVQ Level 2 and 3 apprentices.
Adam Counihan, who attends Stafford College and is employed by Liebherr Great Britain, won the National Level 2 award. He said: “It was a complete shock to win the national award but I’m very proud to win it.
“During my apprenticeship, I’ve kept my head down and tried my hardest with any task that I’ve been given. I’ve got a genuine interest in plant engineering and I hope this award builds a platform for me to make a name for myself.”
National Level 3 winner Campbell Howie from National Construction College (Scotland) and employed by Muirhead Plant based in Kilmarnock commented on his win: “I can’t quite believe that I’ve won the national award and I’m really happy. I’ve got a passion for plant engineering and I hope this shows at college and at work.
“I’ve got ambitions of owning my own business one day. Both my father and grandfather have run their own businesses in the agricultural sector and I’d like to follow in their footsteps.”
A Snap-on roll cart tool kit was granted to the national winners and the 20 regional winners were awarded a Snap-on student tool kit.
An additional 37 students were Highly Commended this year due to high standards.
The 2017 CPA Stars of the Future Winners
Regional Level 2 Winners – College and Employer
Joe Hobson – Askham Bryan College; Peter Duffy Ltd
Joel Price – Bridgend College; Dawnus
Breon Wickett – Finning Academy
Corrie Russell – Glasgow Kelvin College; Mulholland Plant Services Ltd
Thomas Randall – Myerscough College; Allan J Hargreaves Plant Engineers Ltd
Lorence Day – National Construction College; CITB
Paul Blake – National Construction College (Scotland); Ellon Plant (AB2000)
Daniel Lewis – Reaseheath College; Arnold Plant Hire Ltd
Adam Counihan – Stafford College; Liebherr Great Britain Ltd
William Rhodes – Wiltshire College; Kellands
Regional Level 3 Winners – College and Employer
Liam Nicholls – Askham Bryan College; Elvington Plant Hire
Bradley Davies – Bridgend College; TRJ
Aaron Griggs – Finning Academy
Jonathan Brown – Glasgow Kelvin College; GAP Hire Solutions
Joshua Buck – Myerscough College; Allan J Hargreaves Plant Engineers Ltd
Paul Cairns – National Construction College; Nationwide Platforms Ltd
Campbell Howie – National Construction College (Scotland); Muirhead Plant Ltd
Elliott Harvey – Reaseheath College; Greenshields JCB
Thomas Hillman – Stafford College; H & F Lift Trucks
Sam Robinson – Wiltshire College; Ace Plant
National Winners
Level 2 – Adam Counihan – Stafford College; Liebherr Great Britain Ltd
Level 3 – Campbell Howie – National Construction College (Scotland); Muirhead Plant Ltd
