The esteemed panel of judges at the annual contest top honours went to BriggsAmasco employee Paul Mulgrew who was crowned ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and acclaimed Briggs’ superb workmanship and refurbishment of bridge deck footpaths carried out at on the Boothferry Swing Bridge whilst.
Presented at the MAC Awards Luncheon held in June, the accolade is just reward for Paul who joined the company in 2001 as a Felt and Single-Ply Trainee, before retraining to become a Mastic Asphalter. This required him to enrol on BriggsAmasco’s NVQ Level 2 Mastic Asphalt Apprenticeship Scheme in October 2022. The application he’s shown during the training process has not only earned Paul a wave of plaudits from senior managers, he has progressed to what the company refers to as a valued ‘All Rounder’ operative.
Tony Lawther, BriggsAmasco Managing Director, said: “We are immensely proud that Paul Mulgrew was awarded the prestigious title of Apprentice of the Year. This is a fantastic achievement for Paul. He’s worked extremely hard during the apprenticeship programme, as he has done throughout his 22 years with the company. The Mastic Asphalt Apprenticeship was created for employees like Paul – people who are passionate about their work and want to upskill and progress their career. We are delighted with the scheme’s success and offer hearty congratulations to Paul on his magnificent MAC Award.”
“Paul’s accolade recognises his exceptional talent and dedication but also the effectiveness of our apprenticeship program in nurturing and developing promising individuals. We believe in investing in the future of our industry, and this achievement reinforces our commitment to providing the highest quality training and opportunities for growth. Warmest congratulations to Paul and all those involved for the well-deserved honours,” added Tony Lawther.
BriggsAmasco’s NVQ Level 2 Mastic Asphalt course is designed to develop essential mastic asphalt craft skills, knowledge and behaviours. It offers trainees the chance to enhance their hands-on practical skills across a wide range of Mastic Asphalt disciplines. These include preparing backgrounds and resources for mastic asphalting; applying mastic asphalt to special features, and learning how to move, handle and store asphalting materials, tools and equipment. The course also provides trainees with the theoretical knowledge to attain the NVQ Level 2 Mastic Asphalt Standard.
In terms of timescales, the course takes place over a 34-month period. Apprentices are required to attend training college in two-week blocks, with periods in-between spent onsite with their employers putting their new-found skills into practice.
Summarising his first year on BriggsAmasco’s NVQ Level 2 Mastic Asphalt Course, Paul Mulgrew said: “It’s been fantastic, really enjoyable. The practical and theory elements are so informative. I’ve learnt so many new skills and look forward to putting them to use in the coming years. Being named Apprentice of the Year at the Mac Awards caps a brilliant 12 months for me. Thanks to everyone at BriggsAmasco for helping me achieve the award.”
Held at London’s Royal Horseguards Hotel on 16th June, the Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC) Awards has become one of the most prestigious in the calendar for the waterproofing industry with the 2023 event seeing the awards reaching its 25th anniversary milestone.
Sponsored by SIG, Horrods, BriggsAmasco, IKO and Howard Evans Roofing and Cladding, the awards presentation was followed by a speech from guest speaker and former footballing legend Kevin Keegan, who regaled attendees with a memorable and witty insight into his illustrious career.
Pictured above Alfred Tufano of New City College Hackney accepted the award on Paul’s behalf
Pictured above Tony Lawther (Managing Director BriggsAmasco), Alf Tufano (New City College), Paul Mulgrew (BriggsAmasco) and David Maginnis (MAC Board Member and Chairman of BriggsAmasco).