We would like to Congratulate Sam Kirkland who is employed by A C Elevators Ltd as he has been awarded the STEGTA Excellence Award for Engineering Maintenance. Pictured with Sam is STEGTA Training Officer Ian Coward.

We asked Sam how he felt about winning the award:

I was offered a job in lift engineering which sounded a really interesting job. As I like to set myself goals in life and test myself, I took the job as it was nothing like I had ever done before. I really enjoy my job as a lift engineer as I see different places and different technology everyday which means I’m always learning something new.

The support that I received from my employer, Chris Turner and Ian Coward (my STEGTA Training Officer) was more than I could have asked for. Chris and Ian gave me any help I needed with my Apprenticeship training. Ian was always in regular contact asking how I was getting on with my NVQ and College studies and we have a great relationship.

I feel very happy to have won the Excellence Award as it proves to me that all the hard work that I have put in has paid off. There were times when the work was challenging but it was all worth it and if I can do it, anyone can.

After completing my Apprenticeship, I hope to continue my studies to Level 4 once I have more experience.

I would like to thank everyone at STEGTA for their help and guidance and a big thankyou to Ian Coward once again for his ongoing support.

Sam’s Manager Chris Turner commented:

“Congratulations Sam, our first Apprentice to fully complete his Apprenticeship and receive an Outstanding Performance Award in Engineering Maintenance. Thanks to everyone at STEGTA especially Ian Coward for their help and support and with two more Apprentices already on the pathway helping us with our commitment to produce a skilled and competent workforce”.

STEGTA Training Officer Ian Coward commented:

“Sam left school and initially tried his hand at joinery & building. Once he realised this wasn’t for him, he began his Advanced Apprenticeship at AC Elevators, as a lift engineer. During the 1st two years, Sam completed all of the Level 2 units at his day-release training centre, before beginning his Level 3 Technical Certificate. Over the next 18 months, he presented 14 examples of jobs he had carried out, in order to meet the many & various criteria contained in all the units needed for the Level 3 qualification. Each job was detailed, with very good explanations and photographs of the work carried out. During professional discussions and work observations it was evident he had a very extensive and detailed knowledge of the equipment he was charged to install, service and maintain at a number of various sites around the country. Since completing his Extended NVQ diploma, he has been put in charge of his own Trainee and now has to impart all the knowledge and skills he has learned over the past 4 years into the next generation of lift engineer. Well Done Sam!”

We would like to Congratulate Jonathan Valentine who is employed by East Lancashire Light Railway Co Ltd as he has been awarded the STEGTA Excellence Award for Apprenticeship Mentoring. Pictured with Jonathan is STEGTA Training Officer Ian Coward and Chief Executive (East Lancashire Light Railway Co Ltd) – Tracy Parkinson.
We asked Jonathan how he felt about winning the award:
I was very happy when I found out I had won the STEGTA Excellence Award, as I have put a lot of time and effort in to helping the Apprentice with their files and make sure they were up to date. STEGTA and Ian Coward have done a fantastic job in supporting me and the learners through the time I have been mentoring them. We are currently in talks with STEGTA to recruit some more Apprentice’s and I look forward to helping them learn and pass on my knowledge and skills.

STEGTA Training Officer Ian Coward commented:

We have enjoyed working with Jonathan for a number of years and during this time he has always been 100% committed to supporting the Apprentices at East Lancashire Railway. He is always on hand to guide the learners through their training, giving praise where it is due and making sure they complete the targets set by the Training Officer. He ensures they have access to the required training while at work and takes great pride in making sure that every apprentice makes the most out of their training. Jonathan also extends his support even after they have completed their Apprenticeships. He is genuinely interested in the progress of the Apprentices and this is clear from his conversations and actions. Congratulations Jonathan!