Industry Insider

The highly competitive CPA awards ceremony, held at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Warwickshire, celebrated a record-breaking year, with almost 110 entries across multiple categories. 

Set up 14 years ago by the CPA to recognise and reward outstanding apprentices and trainees in the construction plant sector, the CPA Stars of the Future acknowledges those in the industry that not only bring ability and commitment to their work but have the potential to be future industry leaders.

Apprentices from the Finning UK & Ireland Apprenticeship Academy won three awards including Harun Anderson Mohammed who picked up two awards, being named Regional Plant Technician of the Year and National Plant Technician of the Year, and Hannah Ward, who won the Judges' Special Award.

Finning apprentices also took home several highly commended awards in four other categories including Hannah Ward - Regional Plant Technician of the Year, Tom Metcalfe - Regional Plant Technician of the Year, Jake Humphreys - Regional Plant Technician of the Year, and Roxy Burrows - Regional Plant Technician of the Year.

Craig Smallman, Engineering Academy Manager at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “Everyone at Finning is incredibly proud of all our nominees and winners. While these awards recognise individual achievements, they also reflect the strength of the Finning Apprenticeship Academy, the support of our apprentice mentors and managers, and the commitment of teams across the business who help out apprentices develop and succeed.”

The Finning Apprenticeship Academy was founded in 2007 as part of the company’s commitment to tackling the ongoing, sector-wide skills shortage and boasts a 92.3% achievement rate – with the national average being just over 60%.

The four-year curriculum is designed to equip apprentices with the skills to succeed in the company’s construction and energy divisions. Combined with hands-on experience working across multiple areas of the business, the recruits are given a chance to develop skills for life to help future-proof their careers.

Craig added: “These awards not only serve to highlight the incredible achievements of all those nominated, but as a way to highlight to the younger generation just how rewarding a career in engineering can be. Our program has helped to open doors for all our nominees, and we look forward to seeing their careers at Finning go from strength to strength.”

Find out more about the Finning apprenticeship scheme here: www.finning.com/apprenticeships