The future of the construction plant industry is in safe hands judging by the outstanding quality of the entrants at this year’s Stars of the Future awards hosted by the Construction Plant-hire Association.
A total of 80 nominations were received for the CPA Stars of the Future apprentice and trainee awards 2024. The awards identify some of the industry’s brightest up-and-coming talent and its future leaders across various occupations including Plant Mechanics, Plant Technicians, Hire Controllers, Lifting Technicians, Plant Installers, Plant Operatives and Young Plant Operatives, as well as those who mentor the apprentices.
The CPA is the leading trade association for the construction plant sector in the UK, with over 1,900 members who supply around 85% of hired plant to the construction industry.
On the day, the winners of each national category were as follows:
- National Plant Mechanic of the Year (Level 2) – Bethan Whittaker of KJ Services and Bridgend College
- National Plant Technician of the Year (Level 3) – Morgan Wardle of Banks Plant Solutions and Askham Bryan College
- Hire Controller of the Year – Millie Scott-Young of Sunbelt Rentals
- Young Plant Operative of the Year – Josh Jones of L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage
- Plant Operative of the Year – Reece Stray of L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage
- Lifting Technician of the Year – Zac Bradshaw of Commhoist
- Plant Installer of the Year – Hayden Chappell of Southern Hoist Services
- Individual Apprentice Mentor of the Year – Steve Gwynn of Sunbelt Rentals
- Group Apprentice Mentor of the Year – Dave Rogers of L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage
- Best Personal Statement Award – Shannon Weiss of Finning UK and Finning Academy
- Judges’ Special Award – Tom Williams of CBL and Bridgend College
