London-based Stanmore Contractors,one of the country’s largest drylining and facades specialists, has scooped the coveted Sword of Excellence at the annual Plaisterers’ Livery Company Training Awards.
The Sword of Excellence is awarded to the plastering and drywall contractor who, in the opinion of the judges, has shown the greatest commitment to training and, in particular, in-house training. Ben Fitzsimons (above left) received the award on behalf of Stanmore’s.
The judges said that Stanmore’s training plans have had a very positive effect in developing many individuals in the business at various levels and the judges found some of these success stories to be inspiring. They had no doubt about the Company’s genuine training ethos.
The 17th Annual Plaisterers’ Training Awards, sponsored by British Gypsum, Formula, Hadley and the Plaisterers’ Company Charity were held at Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London on 9 November and the audience represented a wide cross-section of the plastering and drylining trade, training colleges and independent training providers with particular links to construction trades and other organisations actively involved in construction skills training.
The Awards were presented by The Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Alan Yarrow and The Master of the Plaisterers’ Company, Bill Mahony.
Robert Johnson, from Classic Plaster Moulds in Middlesborough, won the Student of the Year Award. Robert was the UK representative at Worldskills 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His world class abilities saw him achieve the highest points ever by a Team UK competitor and a well-deserved ‘Medallion of Excellence.
The runners-up were Reece Wilson from Stockport and McPherson Henderson from London.
Robert Johnson (left) receives the Student of the Year award from the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Alan Yarrow (centre) and The Master of the Plaisterers’ Company, Bill Mahony (right).
The Lifetime Contribution to Training was awarded to David Winchester. David is a third generation plasterer and someone who has dedicated more than 40 years of his working life to the plastering industry and education.
The British Gypsum Trophy, which recognises the training of dryliners of all ages, was won by Lewisham Southwark College.
The Formula Snelling Cup, which recognises the best combined results at levels 2 and 3 ICA, ACA and Diploma in Plastering, was won by Canolfan Tywi Heritage Training Centre in Llandeilos.
The coveted John G Robinson Trophy, which goes to the best overall performing college plastering department, was won by NPTC Group. The Judges said: “The merger of Neath Port Talbot College and Coleg Powys in 2013 has created a true centre of excellence and a teaching powerhouse of professional plastering and drywalling skills.”
