CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > August 2023 9 STARS OF THE FUTURE: 2 Stars of the Future was originally introduced to recognise outstanding Apprentice Plant Mechanics and Plant Technicians, but the scope of the event has been extended in recent years to reward further job roles in the construction plant sector and recognise new apprenticeships. Nationally, approximately 900 apprentices span the main plant-based occupations and the 2023 awards saw the introduction of two new awards categories at Stars of the Future - Young Plant Operative of the Year and Apprentice Mentor of the Year. Stu McInroy, Chief Executive of the CPA said: “Having joined the CPA only recently, this was my first experience of Stars of the Future and it was a wonderful experience of excellence. Award winners received some fabulous prizes, including tool kits, training courses, iPads and an overseas trip to visit a Liebherr crane manufacturing plant in Germany, and we would like to congratulate all nominees and winners. “I should like to thank all our sponsors, without whom we simply could not stage such an event or reward our award winners so handsomely, and of course each of our 11 judges for the time they have taken sifting and assessing the nominations and selecting the winners.” At the awards ceremony, Stu also made special mention of Kevin Minton, who has recently retired as Chief Executive of the CPA. Kevin originally introduced and developed the concept of a Stars of the Future awards programme to give apprentices and trainees the recognition they deserve and identify those who will be the industry leaders of tomorrow. Within 10 years, Stars of the Future has grown from being a somewhat low-key event (held in a muddy field during one of the plant shows) for college- nominated Plant Mechanics into being the stand-alone national premier awards event that encompasses all of the plant-based apprenticeships and other occupations. This year, Stars of the Future had a two- tier judging process - the CPA selection panel and a panel of external judges who decided the eventual winners of each category. The external judging panel included Arran Willis of Liebherr-GB, Siôn Morgan Jones of ACOP Group, Kirsty Archbold-Laming of Southern Hoist Services, Leigh Sparrow of Vertikal Press, Graham Black of Earthmovers Magazine, Tim Brownbridge of BAM Nuttall and independent judge Rob Allen . Many thanks to each of the judges for taking the time to go through the many nominations and supporting material, and for attending meetings to discuss the nominees and the awards celebration.