HETA old boy urges apprentices to aim for the top

HUMBERSIDE Engineering Training Association (HETA) welcomed back a former learner who is now making his mark in industry as they celebrated the achievements of their latest crop of apprentices.

Chris Sadler addressed an audience from HETA’s sites in Stallingborough and Foxhills and told of the progress he had made since he attended a similar awards night four years ago. He now works as a control and power technician at Total Lindsey Oil Refinery, where he won the apprentice of the year award and now has the opportunity to work towards a degree.

Chris told the audience that their presence at the awards was success in itself, but he urged them to aim higher. He also spoke of the need to overcome setbacks and revealed that he was rejected by HETA first time round.

He said: “To say I was devastated and lost is an understatement, but I took this as a message and a reason to work harder than simply give up, and two years later I reapplied and by some miracle obtained a sponsorship by Lindsey Oil Refinery.

“The initial setback allowed me to see the value of the opportunity you all have. You are at the beginning of what I hope will be fruitful and rewarding careers within engineering and industry, and that is something hundreds of others in your application year alone wanted, not even considering the thousands in previous years that all applied with the same hope and ambition you all had. Be proud of yourselves for getting where you are and be excited for where you can be in the future.”

Chris acknowledged the inevitable nerves which strike apprentices as they take up their roles with employers, and he highlighted the part played by colleagues, mentors and managers as they become the biggest advocates for success.

He also turned advocate himself as he underlined the benefits of continuing to study all the way to degree level.

He said: “I completed two Higher National Certificates and am now studying at university. I used to hate the idea of anything academic but I can safely vouch for the advantages it brings and the bonuses it will add to your career.

“I worked hard to attain the things I did and always tried to achieve my best. I also had an excellent support network around me especially from my personal mentor.

“I am by no means the best at what I do – the list of stupid mistakes I have made, especially during my training is probably endless and there are without a doubt people in this room much more capable and much smarter than me. There is no reason at all why any of you can’t and won’t have the same opportunity and achieve the same things that I have, if not greater.”

Award winners

Outstanding Achievement Award (sponsored by Rocol) – Edward White of Cristal.

IMechE Award of Excellence (sponsored by IMechE) – Samantha Dobson of Hitachi.

Foxhills awards

Overall Electrical Apprentice (sponsored by Hitachi) – James Davey of Fuel and Electrical Solutions.

Overall Mechanical Apprentice (sponsored by Schenck Process) – Kieran Woodall of Schenck Process.

Most Improved Multi Skilled Apprentice (sponsored by Clean Tech) – Jack Mansfield of Clean Tech.

Overall Multi Skilled Apprentice (sponsored by Hitachi) – Liam Whitehurst of Hitachi.

Excellence in Health & Safety (sponsored by ArcMaster) – Daniel Mather of Plasmor.

Overall Apprentice (sponsored by 2 Sisters Food Group) – Jake Waters of 2 Sisters Food Group.

Stallingborough awards

Most Improved Instrumentation and Electrical Apprentice (sponsored by Total LOR) – Billy Reid of Wren Kitchens.

Overall Instrumentation and Electrical Apprentice (sponsored by Total LOR) – Jacob Dales of M&J Seafood.

Most Improved Mechanical Apprentice (sponsored by Lenzing) – Andrew Deakins of D S Smith.

Overall Mechanical Apprentice (sponsored by Lenzing) – Euan MacMillan of EP SHB Ltd.

Most Improved Multi Skilled Apprentice (sponsored by Howdens) – Max Morgan of Technica.

Overall Multi Skilled Apprentice (sponsored by Cristal) – James Hopkins of Icelandic Seachill.

Most Improved Process Apprentice (sponsored by Total LOR) – Alex Farmery of Total LOR.

Overall Process Apprentice (sponsored by BP) – James Smith of Lenzing.

Most Improved Fabrication Apprentice (sponsored by Blackrow) – Jack Hill of Grayton Mechanical & Fabrication Services.

Overall Fabrication Apprentice (sponsored by Blackrow) – Jensen Blewett of Phillips66.

Excellence in Health & Safety – Cameron Gibbs of Phillips66.

Overall Apprentice (sponsored by Total LOR) – Alex Gibson of Howdens.