SLPTG Celebrates Apprentices at Annual Awards

The Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group (SLPTG) Apprentice Awards which recognise the achievements of apprentices in the sector were presented at the National Construction College (NCC) - East on 12 December 2013. There were 12 awards chosen by NCC instructors, including Best Academic Achievement, Best Technical Application (Lightning Conductor) and Highest Attention to Safety (Steeplejack), for those apprentices who excelled during their 2-year training.

The prestigious Sam Rafferty Award for Best All Rounder went jointly to Kevin Gibson of Northern Steeplejacks and Ryan Ward of K2 Steeplejacks.

Following recent reports of a potential skills shortage in the specialist sector, the annual Apprentice Awards Dinner was a unique opportunity to celebrate apprentices who had successfully completed their NVQ Level 2 in steeplejacking or lightning conductor engineering by presenting them with their NVQ certificates.

Apprentices and their employers who attended the event were addressed by guest speaker Chris Barrett, Head of Vocational Services at NCC, and Master of Ceremonies Mike Fuller, a specialist advisor to the industry. The event also welcomed industry professionals and training providers ahead of the main NCC ceremony in July and the evening was a fantastic demonstration of the sector’s commitment to the training and development of the workforce.

SLPTG Chairman Robert Bird said:

“Congratulations to all of the apprentices who completed their training and especially those who won an Award. Due to the high risk involved in working at height, the steeplejack and lightning protection sector fully supports the training and qualification of operatives and apprenticeships will continue to hold the key for the construction industry as it emerges from the recession.”

The Apprentice Awards Dinner was supported by: Gold Sponsors ATLAS and PTSG - Electrical, Silver Sponsors A.N Wallis and BEST Services and Bronze Sponsor Churchill Specialist Contracting with support from CITB.

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