The NTAs represent the UK's top honour for individuals who have achieved excellence through training. This year's ceremony gained the full backing of David Lammy MP, Minister for Skills for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

He congratulated winners via a special video link and reinforced the importance of the work SummitSkills and BSE employers undertake for the good of the sector: "The employers of these winners should be commended for investing in people; however, not all employers recognise the potential returns for this investment.

"That's why SummitSkills' work will be invaluable to engaging with employers and encouraging them to create a training culture in their business. By this I mean signing the skill pledge, offering apprenticeships and engaging with training colleges to get the best from their staff and their business."

Mr Lammy's thoughts were shared by celebrity guest speaker, Kriss Akabusi MBE, who spoke passionately about the importance of training and its personal rewards. As a great supporter and investor in training, Kriss was a source of inspiration for both employers and winners, welcoming each winner onto the stage, and presenting them with their award, certificate and £125 of retail vouchers, courtesy of EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL).

Champion your sector

The awards are a fantastic opportunity for employers to raise the profile of their business and pitch themselves as forward-thinking training providers among their peers. Additional benefits include:

• Motivating your employees, adding that competitive edge.
• Networking opportunities with the sector's movers and shakers.
• Benchmarking your company's performance.
• Enhancing your business' reputation with building services engineering's sector skills council.

Award categories

The 2008 award categories were:

• Heating & Ventilating Craft Operative of the Year
• Plumbing Craft Operative of the Year
• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Craft Operative of the Year
• Electrotechnical Craft Operative of the Year
• Experienced Existing Worker of the Year (Mechanical)
• Experienced Existing Worker of the Year (Electrical)
• Technician Engineer of the Year
• Happold Bursary
• Alfred Manly Management Award
• Professional Engineer of the Year - Ann Noblett Memorial Scholarship
• National Craft Operative of the Year Award

Once again the calibre of entrants to the NTAs was extremely high with 23 year old Paul Renno who is employed by Gateshead Council scooping the Heating & Ventilating Craft Operative of the Year award. This is awarded to individuals who have completed S/NVQ Level 3 in H&V Industrial/Commercial, Domestic, Ductwork or Service & Maintenance. Paul explained: "A career in building services engineering and acquiring a trade through an apprenticeship had always appealed to me. When choosing my trade, my first choice was always heating and ventilating, as I knew this was a very good, highly skilled sector to be in."

In 2009, Paul hopes to commence a building services degree at Northumbria University. The next year will see him gain experience in the office, as well as completing both his gas and unvented hot water qualifications.

Paul firmly believes that encouraging more entrants to the sector should begin early on in a student's education, he added: "I believe school children would benefit from sessions learning about building trades. If schools were to include building skills, such as basic construction and engineering, into technology lessons, I believe young people would realise that there is a very good career available to them aside, or in addition to, A-Levels."

Ramon Culshaw, 26, beat off stiff competition to win Plumbing Craft Operative of the Year. Ramon, who works for Rothwell Plumbing Services Ltd, is another prime example of the sector's talent. He explained his route to plumbing: "Having left the army, I applied for an apprenticeship in plumbing. I studied at Liverpool Community College for four years on a day release basis, while also working for my employer, and completed my NVQ Level 3 in Advanced Plumbing."

Ramon added: "Often all that is promoted at ages 14-18 is the academic route, which does not suit everyone. An apprenticeship can be seen as the option for those who are not as bright, but this is absolutely not the case. A trade, and all that is involved, is as equally demanding as the toughest A-Level or degree."

In the near future, Ramon hopes to enrol onto a Foundation Building Services degree and, ultimately, would like to run his own business, offering apprenticeships to other dedicated learners.

The UK needs the help, investment, and commitment from employers to succeed in creating a globally competitive economy. Nominations for the 2009 awards will open once again towards the end of the year. Further details on how to enter can be obtained by calling: 01908 303960 or by emailing:  enquiries@summitskills.org.uk.