The Construction Plant-hire Association is celebrating the plant industry’s ‘Stars of the Future’
Nearly 2 ½ million people are employed by it and it generates over 8 per cent of our entire GDP, but the level to which the construction industry underpins our society goes deeper still. The offices and factories we work in, the schools that educate our children, the roads we travel to them on, and the homes we return to are all a result of the workforce that delivers our built environment. The value of the construction sector to UK plc might be well documented, but what is often less well publicised is the personal fulfilment and financial rewards that its diverse roles can offer the individuals it employs.
That’s why initiatives like the Construction Plant-hire Association’s Stars of the Future are critical in promoting a positive image of construction to the next generation. The event celebrates the industry’s emerging talent, and rewards the combination of talent and effort that is fundamental to career progression. “It is no exaggeration to say that the future of Britain is in the hands of the young men and women who are nominated for awards,” declares, Kevin Minton, CPA Chief Executive, and if that is the case then the future is in safe hands.
The construction sector is littered with inspiring examples of entrepreneurial journeys from shovel to boardroom and at that same awards ceremony a leading hirer delivered just one example. P Flannery Plant Hire has much to be proud of, not least a turnover of more than £90 million, and over 3,000 machines on its books at an industry leading average age of just 1.8 years. One of the statistics that gives its founder and his sons the most satisfaction, however, is the 30 apprentices in takes on every year.
Patrick Flannery senior came to the UK in 1969, initially working as a labourer, and spending whatever spare time he could find on site learning to operate and maintain plant. It was his dream to own a JCB, and when he achieved that ambition the national plant hirer that now bears his name was born. “We must inspire a future generation,” declares his son, Patrick, speaking to apprentices as the same awards ceremony. “That’s why our company is focusing on attracting previously under-represented groups and we have had a 7 per cent increase in female plant operators last year. The personal fulfilment and earning potential of a career in construction plant is consistently under-rated in wider society, and that’s a message we want to deliver to young people.”
An individual who could be taking the first steps on the same path, is Campbell Howie. A Stars of the Future, National Level 3 winner in 2017, his story is indicative of the value employers place on the CPA awards. With that accolade, and his qualifications, Campbell was able to experience life working in Canada for a time, before returning to set up his own business. “If you can solve a problem that others are struggling with that gives you real satisfaction,” he tells an audience of over 300 apprentices at the awards presentation. “Not only that, but Stars of the Future has given me the contacts I needed to go out on my own.”
Held in association with headline sponsor A-Plant, over 700 apprentices were eligible for entry, representing companies such as GAP, Go Plant, JCB Watling, Lifterz, Liebherr, MHM Plant, Marubeni Komatsu, Nixon Hire, Riwal and Vp plc, plus several independents. 2019 was a landmark year as traditionally Stars of the Future has only rewarded plant mechanic apprentices but this year, two new national titles of CPA Plant Operator Star of the Future and CPA Lifting Technician Star of the Future were also up for grabs in recognition of new trailblazer apprenticeships. For the first time, employers were also invited to make nominations, in addition to colleges delivering apprentice training. As well as A-Plant, the event was supported by sponsors IPAF, Greenshields JCB, Snap-on Tools, Liebherr, ACOP Group and Stokey Plant Hire.
The 2019 CPA Stars of the Future Winners
Level 2 Plant Mechanic College Award Winners – Employer and College
Joe Adcock, Cementation Skanska Ltd (Askham Bryan College)
Lea Poole, Lifterz (Askham Bryan College)
Joseph Vincent, D and D Plant Services (Bridgend College)
John Beckett, Finning UK (Finning Academy)
Ross McLeod, Marubeni Komatsu (Glasgow Kelvin College)
Paul Talent, Riwal (Myerscough College)
Tyler Pearson, Wirtgen (National Construction College East)
Liam Mullin, AT Best Handlers (National Construction College Scotland)
Lewis Scott, Liebherr (NSCG Stafford College)
Shane Lynton-Edwards, A-Plant (Reaseheath College)
Stuart Arkell, Grant Plant Maidenhead (Wiltshire College)
Level 3 Plant Mechanic College Award Winners – Employer and College
Dan Pickles, Charles Wilson Engineers (Askham Bryan College)
Sophie King, CRH Plant (Bridgend College)
Benjamin Taylor, Finning UK (Finning Academy)
Paul Geddes, West Dunbartonshire Council (Glasgow Kelvin College)
Michael Barton, Chippindale Plant (Myerscough College)
Adam Dalton, Toppesfield Ltd (National Construction College East)
Sophie Gray, George Leslie Limited (National Construction College Scotland)
Scott Paskin, Dewsbury and Proud (NSCG Stafford College)
Ruby Potts, Burnley Plant Engineers (Reaseheath College)
Adam Davies, Molson Equipment Services (Wiltshire College)
Employer Nominated Plant Mechanic Awards
Keeran Moore, Go Plant (Level 2)
Brad Timmins, Go Plant (Level 3)
Kye Connop, Ainscough Crane Hire (Special Recognition Award)
National Winners – Plant Mechanic Stars of the Future
National Level 2 Winner – Joe Adcock, Cementation Skanska Ltd (Askham Bryan College)
National Level 3 Winner – Adam Dalton, Toppesfield Ltd (National Construction College East)
National Level 3 Highly Commended – Adam Davies, Molson Equipment Services (Wiltshire College)
Plant Operator Star of the Future – Jake Howard, P Flannery Plant Hire
Lifting Technician Star of the Future – Niki Fitzgerald, Select Plant Hire
