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Philip Jason Shaw, 20, who works for nationwide building services provider Birchall Ltd based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, scooped the top prize at the 2009 NTA as National Operative of The Year and was also awarded the title of National Heating and Ventilating Operative of the Year. Deemed best of the best, Philip was presented his trophies by Graham Goddard from Unite, and Nigel Vardy, British record-breaking mountaineer.
Birchall Ltd was established in 1980 and with a group turnover in excess of £30m, the company highlights people as the principal asset to its business.
Ian Birchall, director, states: "We employ over 270 people and maintain an extremely low staff turnover. We have been committed from the foundation of this company to training apprentices, which we have done every year regardless of the economic situation. This, coupled with our commitment to continuing professional development, enables us to deliver a consistent quality service to our clients."
On Philip's success, Ian continued: "Although we expect a high standard and full commitment from our apprentices, Philip has not only met our expectations but exceeded them and I congratulate him. These awards recognise how a dedicated employee on an organised training programme that includes working on-the-job can get the best out of themselves and benefit their company."
Delighted with his achievements, Philip, a Building Engineering Services Training (BEST) apprentice, said: "When I chose the apprenticeship route to become a heating and ventilation engineer, many thought I was making a mistake. But here I am now with two national awards under my belt, a good regular salary and plenty of scope to further my career.
"My ongoing goals are to continue my training by attending any courses relevant to my job and development in the future. I am a firm believer that there is always something new to learn."
As winner of the National Operative of the Year 2009, and National Heating and Ventilation (H&V) Operative of the Year 2009, Philip adds these awards to his growing trophy cabinet. He was also the proud winner in 2007 of the New College Nottingham Apprentice of the Year for Heating and Ventilation, as well as the 2007 West Midlands Apprentice of the Year.
Philip was determined to follow a vocational career in the H&V industry, despite many of his peers going to university. Completing his apprenticeship in three years instead of four, as well as a round trip of 100 miles to college, shows Philip's determination to succeed.
Luke Taylor, age 23, employed by the UK's largest independent building services provider, NG Bailey, was awarded the NTA 2009 Professional Engineer of the Year (Ann Noblett Memorial Scholarship). Since joining the industry at the age of 16, he has successfully completed a BSE NVQ Level 3, a BSE ONC and a BSE Foundation Degree.
Supported in his training by the company from the outset, Luke is currently working towards a BEng (Hons) with Northumbria University, following which he hopes to continue onto a Masters degree and Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineering (CIBSE) status. His progression at NG Bailey, within the company's core Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) division, has amazed his colleagues - he is already a Project Engineer 2 with responsibility for the installation of mechanical systems from design through to delivery and commissioning.
Commenting on his career, future and this award, Luke said: "I knew from the outset that I wanted a vocational career, applying for a role at NG Bailey was therefore the first step in what has now proven to be a great career decision. I joined the firm in 2002 and my determination to succeed, coupled with support from my colleagues and managers has enabled me to achieve a great deal in a relatively short time.
"The National Training Award is a culmination of these achievements and certainly helps me in my drive to continue training. My ultimate career goal is to become a member of CIBSE and benefit from new knowledge through continuous professional development."
SummitSkills' Vice-Chairman Stuart Lyon, who took up the role as host and MC at this year's awards welcomed Luke to the stage to receive his award, commenting: "Luke is a credit to the building services engineering sector. His motivation, expertise and outstanding achievement is highly valued by his employer and the sector as a whole."
Be part of the training culture
The prestigious 2009 NTA ceremony celebrated the achievements of the sector's finest talent and provides 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
The UK needs the help, investment, and commitment from employers to succeed in creating a globally competitive economy. Nominations will open once again towards the end of the year. Further details on how to enter can be obtained by calling: 01908 303960 or email enquiries@summitskills.org.uk
The winners
Heating & Ventilating Operative of the Year
Philip Jason Shaw of George Birchall Ltd
Plumbing Operative of the Year
John Paul Hutchison of Bailey Building Services
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Operative of the Year
Robert Priestley of Mansfield Pollard & Co
Electrotechnical Operative of the Year
Jack Finister of NG Bailey
Technician Engineer of the Year
Mark Long of Eyre Electrical Ltd
Experienced Existing Worker of the Year (Mechanical)
Thomas Needham of Dunbia (Sawley)
Experienced Existing Worker of the Year (Electrical)
Steven Rowley of East Riding of Yorkshire Council
The Happold Bursary
Thomas Mizuro of Mitie Engineering Maintenance
Oliver Hargreaves of Sayes & Co Ltd
The Alfred Manly Management Award
Lucy Doyne of Haden Young Ltd
David McQueen of Bailey Building Services
Professional Engineer of the Year (Ann Noblett Memorial Scholarship)
Luke Taylor of Bailey Building Services
National Operative of the Year
Philip Jason Shaw of George Birchall Ltd
