Two A-Plant apprentices have been recognised as rising stars in the plant hire industry.

Tyler Lloyd and Imran Ahmed, both apprentice fitters at the UK’s largest equipment rental company, were honoured at the Construction Plant-hire Association’s (CPA) ‘Stars of the Future’ young Apprentice Awards 2018.

Now in its sixth year, Stars of the Future is a national awards scheme designed to recognise the plant hire industry’s brightest young talent.

Held in association with headline sponsor A-Plant, the event is run in conjunction with UK colleges offering plant mechanic apprentice training and is supported by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board).

There are separate prize schemes for Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices, at both regional and national level, with nominees assessed throughout the academic year on their enthusiasm and commitment shown to training.

Tyler Lloyd, a ‘bright and promising’ Apprentice Fitter at A-Plant’s Newcastle service centre, scooped a regional award in the Level 3 category. While ‘inspirational’ Imran Ahmed, a Level 2 Apprentice Fitter in Heathrow, came out on top in his region.

A-Plant’s Head of Training, Bob Harper, said the company was thrilled to see two of its apprentices receive accolades.

He said: “We are extremely proud that two of our apprentice superstars managed to come out on top in their regional categories and over the moon to see that all of their hard work has paid off. Last year we invested more than £2m in our apprenticeship programme and we currently have 150 apprentices in all areas from engineering and customer service to plant maintenance and driving. As a Top 100 apprentice employer we are committed to developing apprentices and training the next generation of future leaders. We firmly believe that investing in the younger generation is investing in the future of A-Plant.”

Stars of the Future is intended to recognise and reward outstanding apprentices who not only bring ability and commitment to their learning and work, but also possess those extra capabilities which mark them out as being not only the foundations of the future of the industry, but also potentially its leaders.

When it came to selecting a Level 3 winner, it was Tyler’s consistently high exam results, wealth of knowledge and quality of both his written and practical work that impressed the judges.

Bob Harper explains: “At his young age, Tyler’s knowledge and attitude portray that of a very mature, competent individual. This is evident in the number of qualifications he has already obtained, including: NVQ L2+3 in Plant, PAT Testing, PTS (Personal Track Safety), Rail Competency, Abrasive wheels, Cable Avoidance and Banksman competency.”

Imran, who scooped the Level 2 regional award, was described as a ‘real inspiration to others’ and praised for his “can do” attitude, ambition and drive.

Bob explains: “Since joining A-Plant at our Heathrow Service centre, Imran has impressed the team with his enthusiasm and work ethic.

“He is welcoming towards colleagues and customers alike and goes the extra mile in his work. Imran has always abided by health and safety protocol and ensures those working around him do too. He shows excellent potential to progress within A-Plant and I am sure his hardworking nature will help him go far in this industry.”

As well as coming out on top in their regional categories, both apprentices were also nominated for national awards. Tyler was one of three finalists to be shortlisted for the National Level 3 award and Imran was one of five apprentices nominated in the National Level 2 category.

Alongside learning their trade from A-Plant service centres, the winning duo also attend Reaseheath College, Cheshire, on residential block release as part of a three-year Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship Programme.

Awards were presented by Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley, near Coventry, on June 14 2018.

Regional winners won Snap-on student tool kits.