The amongst the apprentice prize winners this year were:
Steeplejack Awards
Scott Bentley- Delta Steeplejacks
Bert Bird Award for best NVQ portfolio
Scott Bentley- Delta Steeplejacks
Ted Fuller Award for highest achiever over all disciplines
Lightning Conductor Awards
Tom Snowden - Osborne Delta
A W Elliott Award for highest achiever over all disciplines
October 2008
Read detailed article here
Oldham-based [company description] Delta International has been named the North West Regional Winner in the Apprentice Employer of the Year category of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North West Learner Awards 2008.
Delta, which had previously been named Apprentice Employer of the Year in the Greater Manchester awards, was chosen as overall winner from the other successful employers in Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Merseyside and Lancashire and named best in the North West region. They were also highly commended finalists in the National Apprenticeship Awards 2008 which took place on 10 July at the Royal Horticultural Hall in London where TV star Amanda Holden presented the Awards.
Administration manager Claire Gardner, who started her working life with Delta as an apprentice 25 years ago, said everyone at the company is thrilled with the accolade.
“It’s such a massive achievement to be given this recognition,” she declared. “Ever since the company was formed thirty years ago we have put time and effort into employing and training apprentices and it’s fantastic to be recognised for that. We are a relatively small company, but we have always instilled in our workers that you can work and train at the same time. As a result, we have reaped the benefits in staff loyalty and productivity, while our apprentices have gained the confidence and extra knowledge that investment into their future brings.”
All of the North West regional winners were taken on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to London, and Delta chose two final year steeplejack apprentices, Alan Howarth and Scott Bentley, to take part in the experience. They were whisked by first-class train to a reception and lunch at the Houses of Parliament, where the MP for Oldham, Phil Woolas, greeted them personally and congratulated them on their achievements. Lunch was followed by a private flight on the London Eye, and with the clear blue sky on what was said to be the hottest day of the year so far the views of the capital couldn’t have been clearer.
The day was rounded off with a sumptuous dinner in the Hoxton Apprentice, a training restaurant which provides skills and training for the homeless and long-term unemployed. At the end of a long and memorable day, the winners took the first-class journey home.
“Today’s been absolutely fantastic,” said Scott. “It’s been amazing to have been a part of such a great celebration”. Alan agreed: “I was honoured to be asked to take part, and it really has been a day to remember,” he said.
John Korzeniewski, Regional Director of the LSC in the North West comments: “The awards have been a great opportunity to recognise the dedication and success of apprentices and employers alike. The Apprenticeship programme gives people and businesses real opportunities to succeed, with enthusiastic young people and dynamic employers teamed with a supportive delivery system. The awards have highlighted this success, showing what a real difference Apprenticeships can make.”
The LSC’s North West Learner Awards were held to recognise and reward excellence in learning, skills and achievement in individuals and organisations. They form part of the LSC’s National Apprenticeship Awards which this year attracted record entries, rising by over 40 percent since last year. The North West attracted the highest number of entries in the country, with 20 percent of the national total.
For further information contact Juliet Shaw at Resource Marketing on 01229 400210 or 07837 360470, e-mail Juliet@resourcemarketing.co.uk, or Debbie Newell at LSC on 0161 261 0434, e-mail Deborah.newell@lsc.gov.uk
The six award categories are Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Personal Achiever of the Year, Apprentice Employer of the Year, Further Education Vocational Learner of the Year and Further Education Academic Learner of the Year.
May 2008
Claire Milhench joined Delta Steeplejacks at the age of 16 as an office junior straight from school as a modern apprentice. Showing much promise, she made use of day release and progressed in office management and organisation. Now 20 years later Claire Gardner, married with two children, is a much-appreciated Delta Company Director. Like all birthdays at Delta this milestone was celebrated- with birthday cake.
20 years on the 22nd June 2008
It was our innovative solutions that differentiated Delta and overwhelmed the competition; Balfour Kilpatrick, Hall Fire Protection and Haden Young. Delta have managed to revolutionise working practices, create safer working environments, increase productivity and improve cost control for both themselves and their clients in a series of innovative pieces of equipment to meet their clients’ unusual project needs. These included the Delta Hot Camera and the Delta Self-Supporting Electronic Climbing platform.
The awards ceremony came after months of anticipation following the entry submission in May. The four month judging process required all entries be evaluated and assessed by three judges to generate the four finalists for each award. The judging process culminated in the shortlist entries being examined by independent auditors to ensure that each of the finalists deserved to be in the last four. All entries were assessed in terms of their ability to provide evidence of successful business performance, health & safety performance, respect for people, integration with suppliers and clients alike, environmental issues, workforce training and skilled management techniques.
Now in their twelfth year, the Contract Journal Construction Industry Awards are the most prestigious in the industry and reward innovation and excellence in British construction. These are the only awards to reward excellent business performance throughout the entire year, rather than focussing on the outcome of one project - getting everything right throughout the previous year is a much tougher thing than simply doing well on one project.
We firmly believe that our strength in technical and innovative solutions, and having an excellent team to carry this into reality was the defining factor that won us the prestigious title of Specialist Engineering Services Contractor of the Year 2007:
“The creation of our unique Hot Camera and Self-Supporting Electronic Climbing Platform are just two of the innovations that have set us apart from our competitors. It is wonderful to receive this prestigious award and to recognise all the members of the Delta team of which we are so proud.”
For more information and to see the shortlist for all categories click here
October 2007
Many Congratulations to one of Delta International's Apprentices- Craig Travis- in his recent success at the annual Bircham Newton Steeplejack Award Ceremony. Not only did Craig become the FIRST steeplejack apprentice to complete and be awarded an NVQ, he was also honoured with two of the top awards; The Walter Bacon Award for Laddering, and The Ted Fuller Award for Highest Achiever.
Congratulations are also extended to Delta Foreman Joe Croly for completing his NVQ. Delta International has a long tradition of encouraging and supporting apprenticeships in the industry, and successes like the ones above show the hard work and dedication that is put in on a day to day basis.
August 2007
Tilbury Power Station, Essex undergoes extensive internal inspection using innovative Hot Camera technology.
Designed by Delta International Steeplejacks Director Nigel Matthews, the 'Hot Camera' can send images for inspection purposes whilst the plant is still working.
Potentially millions of pounds can be saved by using this specially developed innovative piece of equipment.
To read the Construction News article 13th June 2006 detailing its use at Tilbury Power Station click here.
July 2006
The Specialist Access Industry’s oldest active Director, Herbert Bird, Chairman of the Delta Group, celebrated his 80th birthday last Saturday with his family and close friends at Manchester’s famous Bridgewater Hall. To honour his lifetime of achievements, dedication and passion for his work, Bert was presented with a special handmade trophy featuring an original reclaimed LB1 fixing from the Pilkington Chimney, St. Helen’s – the Bert built ever worked on in 1961.
A UNIQUE CAREER
Bert recalls this incredible 260 ft. high structure which was built on top of the Pilkington Glass Works in Lancashire. Bert and his team worked day and night for 12 days straight to finish the project. This was a huge chimney that was to revolutionise the plant as it serviced the original and first production float glass tank.
Recalling his 60+ year career, Bert said:
“I’ve been very lucky and had an incredible life. I love this industry. Of course, working year round in all weather conditions does take a physical toll on your body and the workload is not for everybody. For me, this business is in my blood and I love it!”
ALL CHANGE
As arguably the most experienced man still working in construction, Bert Bird clearly has a unique perspective of the industry. In many ways he believes working at height has not changed much over the past half a century. Safety conditions and training have improved but, he argues, this in itself is nothing new. Bert recognised the importance of training and its link with success very early on in his career. He established Delta International in 1977 and has continuously dedicated his time and energy to ensuring all Delta’s operatives are fully trained, multi-skilled and completely aware of the best practices required. He said:
“The industry must constantly change to meet new clients’ needs. Great skill is involved in working safely at height. There should be no such thing as a dangerous project if you have prepared correctly. At Delta, we never stop training which is why our teams can perform any function required at any height. People believe that danger is the first concern when working at height, not skill. We need to change this image. The work may look horrendous, but it isn’t. It is all about adopting the correct approach.”
Bert was also instrumental in setting up the Industry’s National Training Group, over 30 years ago. It is still the only one of its kind in Britain today and includes 86 Specialist Access companies.
THE FUTURE
Today the Delta Group operates five companies around the world and is rapidly expanding into France, Benelux, Scandinavia, Jordan and South Africa. Bert firmly believes Delta’s reputation in the chemical, petroleum, process and power industries is second to none. With clients such as BP, Conoco Oil, Shell and Total, this is one veteran you would be unwise to argue with. Happy Birthday Bert!
July 2006
With an industry growth rate of 12% p.a. and the Olympics coming to London in 2012, there is an the estimated 250,000 new recruits needed over the next 18 months for the Construction Industry. Yet, despite this burgeoning problem the industry has failed to embrace the concept of diversity which would go some considerable way to addressing the skills shortage.
Exemptions where physical strength and mobility is essential for safe working are understandable, but this hardly justifies the fact that women represent just 10% of all the engineering and only 1% of all construction jobs in the UK. Nor that only 3% of the industry’s workforce is estimated to be members of Minority Ethnic groups and the percentage relating to people with disabilities is too small to even measure. And this is a significant improvement compared with 10 years ago!
Trade and Industry Secretary (and Cabinet Minister for Women) Patricia Hewitt said:
"Making progress on the gender pay gap is a key priority because we have to draw on the skills and talents of all potential workers - men and women."
The Engineering and Construction Industry can often be seen as a boys club. Despite the fact that many organisations such as Delta International have women in key roles. Established in 1977, Delta International is one of the leading contracting Engineering groups in Europe for the inspection, modification, maintenance and piecemeal demolition of chimneys and tall structures. They boast a female board Director and a strong diversity policy.
Eleanor Bateman, Director of Delta International explained why diversity in this industry is paramount to nurturing growth both in the UK and the European market:
“Realising our potential within the Engineering Industry means competing amongst some of the most competitive businesses in the world. Using the skills of an entire workforce rather than just one gender or selected group means that we are able to recruit the strongest candidates in each discipline with the most talent. Businesses who do not use the aptitude and propensity of their workforce minimise both their potential and that of our economy”.
Delta International’s approach is one that goes beyond equal opportunities and makes good business sense. The construction and engineering industry cannot claim to be a modern and progessive industry if we are unable to engage, motivate and reflect the natural composition that is our society. More importantly, this is what clients want too. Public sector and local government expect the companies they employ to have a successful diversity policy, and be seen to be implementing it.
Yet, strange as it may seem, simply employing more individuials from ethnic minorities, and or women and addressing equal pay in the workforce is not enough to address our needs. The industry must also actively seek out people with disabilities who want to work in construction and are phyiscally able to do so, in full compliance of Health & Safety. There are over 1 million people in the UK with disabilities who want to work but are not offered the opportunity to do so. These individuals are often highly motivated, highly skilled and well educated. Yet the term “disabled” is seen as synonymous with incompetence and so employers often dismiss them before the interview stage.
Where employers have the foresight to include such individuals in their recruitment process, they have found high levels of productivity, loyalty and low levels of absenteeism. There also appears to be some evidence to suggest a halo effect, positively influencing whole departments. Even if we only employed 5% of this untapped resource this would make a major inroad into addressing the skills shortage. In order to do this we must do more than advertise the positions more widely. We must also convince this audience that it is worth their while applying for these positions and that their applications will be taken seriously. At the moment they simply do not believe this is the case and so low response levels fuel the situation producing a never-ending downward spiral.
Robert Bird, Managing Director of Delta International believes:
“Unless we embrace diversity and equality now and start filling these huge gaps in our depleted workforce with these eminently suitable candidates, our businesses will stagnate, with the result that more competitors from abroad will start to take an ever greater slice of our market share. That is something from which we as an industry would never recover. This is a challenge every bit as big as that of hosting the Olympics in 2012 itself”!
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