Spec Finish

SIMPLYTHE BEST Training Awards 2022 22 www.thefis.org Our community gathered last November to recognise achievement and excellence in plastering and interior systems. T HE Training Awards are a collaboration between FIS and the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers to recognise and celebrate the achievements of both students and apprentices at the start of their journey in the industry. Alongside these, there were awards for the best professional achievements in the finishing and interiors sector and various training organisations large and small. In a packed Plaisterers’ Hall, the awards were opened by Stephen Gilbert, Master of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers and Helen Tapper, Immediate Past President of FIS. Stephen welcomed the audience to the awards which included Lord Mayor locum tenens Alderman Sir Charles Bowman, teachers, students, employers, training providers and Livery members. He said: “It was good to be here once again in our Hall holding our annual awards function after a three-year absence. “In spite of all the global challenges we face today both students and professionals alike have not been cowed but you all continue to show dedication and perseverance to produce work of the highest standard”. Helen Tapper added: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be back in the fabulous Plaisterers Hall. This event has been a very important entry in the Plaisterers calendar for a very long time, it has always been a successful, well attended, and prestigious means of recognising and rewarding the apprentices, students and training providers in the plastering arena. “By joining forces, we were not seeking to change this but to extend the depth and breadth of the awards, by including all Interior Trades and laying it open to the ever-increasing FIS membership and Approved Training Provider network. “Most FIS contractor members engage the services of Plasterers and Dryliners and the collaboration of our two great organisations can only lead to a better representation and perception of the immense £10bn Interiors Sector.” Stephen explained that the Hall in which guests were seated was built 50 years ago using a wide range of construction and finishing skills and techniques. He told the audience that “It is a building that inspires rapturous responses from those who visit and reflects so well on your industry. I have been coming here for nearly 40 years and every time I walk through those doors for a function my breath is still taken away for a split second and it makes me so proud to be a part of this ancient livery company. “Your industry is responsible for making our modern buildings great places to be not only for work but also for enjoying great creativity and design and to celebrate that with you all today is really a great privilege”. Helen added that labour shortages are a big headache for many contractors and that we must all look to promote and invest in training. Several FIS members have started hugely successful training academies of their own, producing the students and apprentices that they so desperately need. Other, smaller companies are using every training avenue open to them to stay afloat, and that it really has become a top priority. Helen concluded: “It is for this reason that I stand here today, a fellow employer, delighted to celebrate the outstanding talent, both in the students themselves but also in the training providers and the mentors, that work so hard to help these students forge hugely successful and rewarding careers. “I am grateful, both as an employer and as FIS Immediate Past President for the quality and the quantity of the entrants in all of today’s categories. I was fortunate to be involved in the judging process and it was an enjoyable and humbling experience.” Apprentice of the Year – Plastering: Johnathan Donaldson of A Donaldson Plastering RUNNERSUP:ThomasDevine, Adra LennyMiller&Locker&Riley Apprentice of the Year – Interior Systems: George Batchelor of Measom Dryline RUNNERSUP: ArchieDownham,MeasomDryline, EwenMacIntyre&Indeglas Pictured from left: Stephen Gilbert, Danny Meredith (collecting the award on behalf of Johnathan Donaldson), Sir Charles Bowman and Helen Tapper Pictured from left: Stephen Gilbert, George Batchelor, Sir Charles Bowman and Helen Tapper THIS YEAR’SWINNERS: