The Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond was abuzz with excitement on 28 September as the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group (SLPTG) prepared to host the 2023 SLPTG Apprentice Awards. The event was being held to celebrate 17 steeplejack and lightning conductor engineer apprentices who had recently completed their course and were about to embark on promising careers in the industry.
The room was filled with over 50 guests, including the proud apprentices, their loved ones, supportive employers and industry enthusiasts. They were promised an unforgettable evening of magic, mind-reading and comedy thanks to our host, Paul Martin.
After having fun at the drinks reception, taking part in a magic show and enjoying a three-course meal, it was time for the awards ceremony to begin.
The awards ceremony
This portion of the event began with an inspiring speech by Roy Westwick, SLPTG Chairman, who set the tone for the awards by highlighting the importance of apprenticeships in the industry and commending the dedication of the apprentices.
Then, each apprentice was called onto the stage to receive their completion certificate, to loud cheers and applause. This year’s graduating apprentices were:
Steeplejacks
- Kadin Boak (Northern Steeplejacks)
- Ewan Dowsland (Zenith SAS)
- Jonathan Fogarty (Fogarty High Level Maintenance)
- Taylan Gunbat
- Antony McDonald (Proteq)
- Samuel Mitchell (Northern Steeplejacks)
- Hamish Murphy (Northern Steeplejacks)
- Ryan Nelson
- Kenneth Scollon
- Liam Walker (Delta Steeplejacks)
Lightning Conductor Engineers
- Jack Campbell (Lightning Protection UK, formerly of Churchill Specialist Contracting)
- Brandon Jacques (Rafferty Lightning Protection)
- Macaulay King (Omega Red Group)
- Mason Leonardi (Central High Rise)
- Joe McCracken (Omega Red Group)
- Haydn Newbold (Lightning Protection UK)
- Luis Wilson (PTSG)
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. Jonathan Fogarty, Hamish Murphy and Liam Walker were all recognised as having shown dedication to the course by going above and beyond the standard requirements.
Bill Butcher, CITB instructor, was invited on stage to explain why the winner had been selected before Paul Sturges, representing ATLAS, announced the name of the winning apprentice.
Ted Fuller Award Recipient: Jonathan Fogarty (Fogarty High Level Maintenance)
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. Jack Campbell, Mason Leonardi and Haydn Newbold were all recognised as having shown dedication to the course by going above and beyond the standard requirements.
Howard Wright, CITB instructor, was invited on stage to explain why the winner had been selected before Roy Westwick, from event sponsor Omega Red Group, announced the name of the winning apprentice.
- W. Elliott Award Recipient: Jack Campbell (Lightning Protection UK, formerly of Churchill Specialist Contracting)
Big congratulations to Jonathan and Jack!
A toast to a great night
Paul Sturges rounded up the evening by offering his best wishes to the apprentices and toasting to the future of the industry, emphasising the pivotal role they would play.
As the applause and cheers echoed through the Holiday Inn, it was clear that the future of steeplejacking and lightning conductor engineering is in capable hands. The SLPTG Apprentice Awards served as a testament to the commitment and excellence of the apprentices, and the industry’s bright future.
Congratulations to all of our 2023 apprentices, and best wishes for their promising careers ahead.
Thank you to ATLAS, Lightning Protection UK and Omega Red Group, whose generous sponsorship ensured the success of this memorable evening.
