Posted on 06 January 2025

Head of Department Wins Prestigious National Plastering Award

Leeds College of Building is celebrating success in plastering after the recent FIS (Finishes and Interiors Sector) and The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers 2024 Training Awards.

The annual Awards held at the prestigious Plaisterers’ Hall in London recognise outstanding apprentices, students, individuals, and organisations that have made a lasting contribution to training and development in plastering and interior trades.

Winners were announced during a special gala lunch presented by guest speaker and TV personality Mark Millar. One of the highest accolades of the night went to Wayne Chappelow, Leeds College of Building Head of Construction Crafts. Wayne received the ‘Lifetime Contribution to Skills and Training Development’ trophy in recognition of services to plastering and for his work in further education.

Head of Construction Crafts, Wayne Chappelow, receiving the Lifetime Contribution to Skills and Training Development Award

Head of Construction Crafts, Wayne Chappelow, receiving the Lifetime Contribution to Skills and Training Development Award

Following a successful career as a plasterer, Wayne has spent more than 25 years with Leeds College of Building, working tirelessly with awarding bodies and employers to ensure qualifications are compliant and fit for purpose. He has supported thousands of students over the years, guiding competitors at the national SkillBuild competition, and is a designated safeguarding officer.

Wayne is also a member of many industry groups, part of a CITB working group on modern methods of construction and supports the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges on net zero/sustainability. His role involves managing joiners, bricklayers, roofers, painters and decorators, roof slaters and tilers, multiskilled operatives and students with high needs.

FIS and The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers recognise lasting contributions to training and development in plastering and interior trades

FIS and The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers recognise lasting contributions to training and development in plastering and interior trades

Wayne’s nomination by Assistant Principal Steve Connell read, “His continued level of commitment is rare, but to work so significantly with so many external stakeholders is a credit to him.” Judges commended Wayne’s dedication to training and passing on knowledge to apprentices and students. They also noted that his support for industry and training groups to drive up training standards and awards gives him “a record second to none.”

Wayne said, “It was a great honour to be invited to the Plaisterers’ Guild Hall to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s fantastic to be recognised on a national platform for my contribution to the plastering industry over the last 36 years, but also for the 25 years spent in further education as a teacher, manager, and now Head of Construction Crafts.

“It’s a privilege to be involved in so many former students’ successful careers in the construction industry, to contribute to the quality of teaching and learning at Leeds College of Building, and to develop plastering qualifications that are now used in the industry.

Leeds College of Building Apprentice, Newton Robinson, was also named runner-up in the ‘Apprentice of the Year – Plastering’ award. This is Newton’s latest title following a string of successes. Tutors have applauded his development from a shy student into a confident leader and role model for peers.

Starting as a full-time Level 1 plastering student at Leeds College of Building in 2022, Newton was named Level 1 British Gypsum Student of the Year. Securing a plastering apprenticeship with Andrew J Winner Plastering in Dewsbury, Newton went on to win gold at the SkillBuild competition in 2023.

LCB apprentice Newton Robinson (left) runner up for Plastering Apprentice of the Year

LCB apprentice Newton Robinson (left) runner up for Plastering Apprentice of the Year

Leeds College of Building is an established provider of Level 1, 2, and 3 training and Apprenticeships in Plastering. Courses run throughout the year for school leavers entering the industry through to adults looking to progress their career, retrain, or boost DIY skills.

The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers was originally formed as a trade guild of the City of London. Today, the Company works in the charitable sector raising funds through its members to support causes linked with the City and plastering. James Minett, Master of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers, said, “We are very pleased to have once again teamed up with FIS to recognise the achievements of many within plastering and the finishes and interiors sector”.

The FIS is a not-for-profit representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK.  Commenting on the awards, FIS President Ian Strangward added, “I congratulate all the amazing people shortlisted today. It is a good choice to join this rewarding sector and well done on your achievements to date”

Awards and event sponsors included British Gypsum, Saint-Gobain Formula, The Plaisterers Charity, and CITB.

Find out more about rewarding careers, training, and Apprenticeships in Plastering on the Leeds College of Building website or register for a place at the next Open Event on 22nd March.