Energy & Utility Skills presented four prestigious awards at ‘The Institute of Water’s 2019 National President’s Dinner’ last night [26 June] to recognise and reward excellence across the UK water sector.
Held in the historic Belfast City Hall, the Institute of Water event saw Energy & Utility Skills Chief Executive, Nick Ellins, present Milo Purcell, Deputy Chief Inspector for the Drinking Water Inspectorate with the ‘Water Industry Skills Champion Award’ for 2019. Milo was commended for his significant contribution to building professional excellence in the protection of public health and drinking water safety, inspiring and motivating people across the water industry towards higher levels of competence and behaviours. His championing of the need for a resilient, skilled and diverse workforce for the long-term was also recognised.
The ‘Outstanding Commitment to Water Industry Training’ award went to Gordon Hollywood. This lifetime achievement award recognises individuals who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the success of the water industry through their high-quality training. Gordon was recognised for his work as an accredited trainer since 2006, investing in people development across the National Water Hygiene Scheme, Scottish Water’s DOMS Scheme and Safety Health and Environmental Awareness (SHEA) schemes.
Nick Ellins commented: “Energy & Utility Skills brings together people and companies from across the UK sector to tackle our skills challenge head-on. These awards highlight how water companies, regulators, the supply chain and wider interest groups are all now acting together to ensure we have a skilled and sustainable workforce.
“Milo has become a recognised champion for excellence, securing the confidence and respect of policy makers, regulators, the regulated companies and the many contractors and suppliers who are involved in delivering billions of litres of high-quality drinking water to society every day. It is a privilege to be able to give him this award and to highlight his contribution.
“Gordon has become an institution in the world of water training. He is highly respected and many of the people in the Institute today owe parts of their professional development to his contributions. I am delighted he has been recognised for his years of commitment to this sector.”
Anglian Water walked away with the ‘Water Industry Skills Employer of the Year 2019’ award after they were recognised for their pro-active and comprehensive approach to building a skilled and qualified workforce. Their work to nurture and retain talent was highlighted, along with their commitment to promote the whole water sector as a great place to have a career.
The awards for ‘Water Industry Training Organisations of the Year 2019’ went to training and consultancy firm McCrae Training and the data and inspection company Control Point. The two organisations stood out for their commitment to providing a consistent experience of high-quality training and assessment to candidates across the sector.
McCrae Training were recognised as winners for the second successive year. Control Point’s work on Electro Fusion training was commended for raising industry standards and directly reducing water leakage.
Nick Ellins said: “All three companies are stand-out winners and are to be commended for their achievements in helping to ensure the water industry workforce is highly skilled and fully aware of its responsibilities to excellence. Anglian Water have consistently demonstrated a strategic approach to attracting, developing and retaining talent in their company, and the industry. Their commitment to acting for the good of the whole industry was recognised and celebrated.
“McCrae Training and Control Point enable sector employees to enhance their knowledge and skills, in line with the high levels of quality, safety and compliance demanded by the industry. They have both demonstrated that they are advancing equality of opportunity for all, promoting an inclusive and diverse water sector.
“I congratulate all of tonight’s winners and finalists on their professionalism and achievements. They are all playing a critical role in securing the long-term sustainability of the water sector.”
See photos from the event below
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- Anglian Water, Water Industry Skills Employer of the Year
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- Milo Purcell, Water Industry Skills Champion 2019
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- McCrae Training and Controlpoint – Water Industry Training Organisations of the Year
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- McCrae Training and Controlpoint – Water Industry Training Organisations of the Year
Photos taken by Northern Ireland Water