The 12th annual ECI Training and Development Awards honoured the very best of engineering construction talent at a prestigious ceremony this week in London.
The event, organised by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), brought together industry leaders, as well as the rising stars of tomorrow, for a celebration of excellence in training and development.
The ceremony recognised standout individuals, companies and training providers as awards were presented to winners across nine categories at what is now an established highlight in the engineering construction industry’s (ECI) calendar.
Held at One Marylebone, an iconic Grade I listed building in the heart of the capital, the event was hosted by Chair of the ECITB Innov8 Group Chinwe Odili, a STEM champion and award-winning structural engineer from Kent plc.
The theme of the awards was change and, in opening the event, ECITB Chief Executive Andrew Hockey spoke of the new Government’s commitment to skills and how the industry is changing as it plays its part in realising the country’s net zero goals.
He said: “The ECITB, as the industry’s employer-led training board, stands at the heart of these changes to support the skills needs of the workforce.
“With our collective desire, endeavour and expertise, exemplified by the exceptional talent gathered at the awards, we can tackle the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities to ensure our industry is well-placed for the future.
“The standard of nominees this year was again incredibly high, showcasing the great things happening in training and development across the industry.
“I would like to thank our judges and congratulate all the winners and finalists who are great examples of excellence in our industry.”
Recognising commitment to learning
The judging panel for the awards was made up of Mark Fotheringham from Infinity Engineering, Tracey Shelley from BCECA and John Webster from Applus UK, who picked the overall winners based on the significant contributions they have made both to the ECI and their own organisations.
Among the winners on the night was Fluor Limited, which took home two awards for ED&I Initiative of the Year and the Leading Industry Safety accolade.
The ECI employer was recognised by the judges for its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion “as a moral imperative”, alongside its aim to “innovate workplace safety”.
Michele Foreman, HR Director at Fluor, said: “We can’t believe we’ve won two. We were finalists last year but didn’t win, so this is just fantastic. We’re super excited and proud.
“To have had our ED&I initiatives recognised demonstrates the carefully curated initiatives we’ve run that are not just diverse, but truly inclusive and equitable. Safety is one of our core values and is an integral part of our DNA. Our teams are dedicated to making sure everyone stays safe.”
The ceremony also recognised ECI employers large and small that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to learning and development.
Wood was named Large Employer of the Year, while the Small/Medium Employer of the Year award went to Wright Brothers Industrial Services Limited.
Training providers from both the UK and overseas were recognised for excellence in the delivery of ECITB-approved training, products and services, while the awards also honoured three outstanding individuals at the start of their careers.
Lynda Armstrong OBE, Chair of the ECITB Board, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone honoured and thank our generous sponsors who made the evening possible.
“The event is an opportunity to celebrate the best of the best within our industry. The individuals and organisations nominated exemplify the talent, innovation and endeavour that our industry needs.
“They remind us to continuously strive to raise the bar for excellence in training and development. And in this ever-evolving world, the importance of their contributions is clearer than ever.”
As well as each category being sponsored, the drinks and entertainment were sponsored by Bechtel and Kingsfield Academy respectively, while the dinner was sponsored by Hinkley Point C.
Philippa Burt, HR Director at Hinkley Point C, said: “Hinkley Point C is a catalyst for long-term growth in the engineering construction industry and will leave a legacy of a more skilled and productive workforce that gives the region, and the wider UK, a competitive edge as it delivers the UK’s ambitions for energy security and net zero.
“The huge team involved in building the power station understand the critical importance of training and development and we are delighted to play a small part in shining a spotlight on the outstanding work taking place in the sector by attendees at the awards.”
ECI Training & Development Awards 2024: Winners and finalists
Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by the National College for Nuclear
Winner: Lewis White (The Herne Group)
Finalists: Lucy Jarvis (Sellafield Ltd), Harvey Bennett (CATCH / TEI)
Graduate of the Year Award – sponsored by BCECA
Winner: Toby Highstead (Amentum, formerly Jacobs CMS)
Finalists: Harry Venn (WSP), Jasmine Sagoo (AtkinsRéalis)
The ECITB New Entrant Award – sponsored by Wright Brothers Industrial Services Limited
Winner: Monika Czyz-Grzesik (Cavendish Nuclear, part of the MEH Alliance working at HPC)
Finalists: Paul Alp (Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA) / Altrad), Luke Roberts (Pembrokeshire College / Haven Engineering)
Large Employer of the Year – sponsored by Nuvia
Winner: Wood
Finalists: Applus+ UK Ltd, EDF
Small/Medium Employer of the Year – sponsored by EqualEngineers
Winner: Wright Brothers Industrial Services Limited
Finalists: A&L Mechanical Installations Ltd, Intelect
ED&I Initiative of the Year – sponsored by NDA
Winner: Fluor Limited
Finalists: Dyer & Butler ENABLE Network, Grief Awareness Community – Cadent Gas Ltd
Training Organisation of the Year – sponsored by GSS Training Limited
Winner: CATCH – Welding and Pipefitting Hub
Finalists: Enermech Ltd, Hydratight Ltd
Leading Industry Safety Award – sponsored by Sellafield Ltd
Winner: Fluor Limited
Finalists: Hinkley Point C (Part of EDF Energy), Wright Brothers Industrial Services
International Training Organisation of the Year
Winner: Hydratight (Middle East and Caspian)
Finalists and regional winners: International Apprenticeship & Competency Academy Ltd (IACA) (East Africa and Rest of World), PT Petrotekno (Asia Pacific)
Find out more about the ECI Training and Development Awards 2024 at: https://www.ecitb.org.uk/eci-training-development-awards-2024/
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