On Tuesday evening almost 600 professionals in the heating and plumbing industry gathered at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel to honour the finest products, projects and performance across the sector.
Competition was extremely high, with entries from nearly every key organisation in plumbing and heating.
Host and comedy star Rufus Hound kept the audience amused whilst announcing the winners. Guests enjoyed a game of ‘Heads & Tails’ throughout dinner as well as a silent auction, with proceeds from both going to the Sparks charity (improving the health of children during pregnancy and through the early years of life).
Mark Holdcroft, of Holdcroft Heating & Gas Fitting based in Burslem, received the highly acclaimed title of “Apprentice of the Year”. Mark was rewarded for his academic and professional skills in training to become both a fully qualified gas engineer and electrician, and taking further training to become a MCS accredited solar installer, all before the age of 20.
Mark has fast forwarded his career and has taken on the role of team leader, entering the company into the renewable energy sector. Mark has also recently supervised the installation of both solar thermal and PV systems for a local housing association.
Mark said “I am totally shocked to have won this award, I would just like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way in gaining both my exams and practical experience, I have had some of the best mentors and lecturers in Stoke On Trent, and will be forever in their debt, and my Mum, Dad and Brother have been the best supporters ever!”
Leah Armstrong from the Installer Live Awards said “Congratulations once again to this year’s winners and finalists, an even greater achievement, considering the number of entries we received”.
