ATLAS celebrates rising stars in steeplejacking and lightning conductor engineering

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The INNSiDE by Meliá Manchester was buzzing with anticipation on Thursday, 26 June 2025, as the Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists (ATLAS) gathered for the 2025 ATLAS Apprentice Awards. This special evening celebrated the outstanding achievements of apprentices in the steeplejack and lightning protection industries, marking the exciting beginning of their professional journeys.

Over 70 guests attended this occasion, including apprentices, their partners, supportive employers, and industry colleagues who enjoyed an evening filled with camaraderie and entertainment. Hosting the event was well-known comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse, known from Phoenix Nights, QI, and Live At The Apollo. Justin brought laughter and energy to the room, setting the stage for a memorable night.

After a lively welcome, attendees enjoyed a dinner accompanied by an engaging comedy show. Following this, the much-anticipated awards ceremony commenced.

ATLAS President John Jolly opened the evening with an inspiring speech, highlighting the importance of apprenticeships and applauding the dedication and hard work of all apprentices.

The awards ceremony

Certificates of completion were presented to enthusiastic cheers from the audience. This year’s graduating apprentices included:

Steeplejack Apprentices:

  • Kieron Dalgleish (Pendrich Height Services)
  • Jabe Haggarty (Northern Steeplejacks, Edinburgh)
  • Junaid Hussan (Northern Steeplejacks, Edinburgh)
  • Aaron Jones (Igoe Up)
  • Kenzie McLaren (Igoe Up)
  • Thomas Muldownie (Northern Steeplejacks, Edinburgh)
  • James Smith (Northern Steeplejacks, Edinburgh)

Lightning Conductor Engineer Apprentices:

  • Alex Adcock (Churchill Specialist Contracting)
  • Cameron Aldrich (Omega Red Group)
  • Jake Byrom (PTSG Electrical Services)
  • Thomas Halstead-Hughes (PTSG Electrical Services)
  • Peter Janes (R C Cutting & Co)
  • Alfie Jacques (Rafferty Lightning Protection)
  • Levi Knight (Churchill Specialist Contracting)
  • Tyler Langan (Lightning Protection UK)
  • Mark Mackenzie (Omega Red Group)
  • William McManus (Rafferty Lightning Protection)
  • Tylor Montano (Faraday Chapman Lightning Protection Consultants)
  • Callum Rawlings
  • Mason Tutin (Omega Red Group)
  • Caden White (Omega Red Group)
  • Samuel Williams (Omega Red Group)

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two prestigious awards, which are given to the best steeplejack and best lightning conductor engineer apprentice each year.

The Ted Fuller Award for Best Steeplejack Apprentice

Three apprentices were shortlisted for the Ted Fuller Award, named in honour of a steeplejack legend. Junaid Hussan, Aaron Jones and Thomas Muldownie were all recognised as having shown dedication to the course by going above and beyond standard requirements.

Bill Butcher and Will Wylie, CITB instructors, were invited on stage to explain the selection criteria before Bill announced the name of the winning apprentice.

Ted Fuller Award Recipient: Junaid Hussan (Northern Steeplejacks, Edinburgh)

The A. W. Elliott Award for Best Lightning Conductor Engineer Apprentice

Three apprentices were shortlisted for the A. W. Elliott Award, named after a truly remarkable figure in the lightning conductor engineering field. Jake Byrom, Thomas Halstead-Hughes and Tyler Langan were all recognised for their dedication and exceptional performance.

Howard Wright, CITB instructor, was invited on stage to explain why the winner had been selected before John Jolly, from premium event sponsor R C Cutting & Co, announced the name of the winning apprentice.

Elliott Award Recipient: Jake Byrom (PTSG Electrical Services)

Congratulations to Junaid Hussan and Jake Byrom for their exceptional performance and dedication!

An end to a great night
In closing, Justin Moorhouse expressed best wishes for the apprentices’ promising futures, underscoring their critical role in shaping the industry’s future and the privilege of having the industry recognise these apprentices by hosting an awards evening. The ATLAS Apprentice Awards served as a testament to the commitment and excellence of the apprentices, highlighting the industry’s bright future.

Thank you to our sponsors: Premium sponsors Lightning Protection UK and R C Cutting & Co, event sponsors Kingsmill Industries (UK) and Omega Red Group and sponsor A.N. Wallis & Co, whose generous support ensured another unforgettable ATLAS Apprentice Awards evening.