The Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) has named Kate MacLeod and Sam Griffin as its 2025/2026 Apprentices of the Year. MacLeod, of Calmax Construction in Newmarket near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, received the Plant Operator Apprentice of the Year title, while Griffin, who works for EGGER UK in Auchinleck near Cumnock in East Ayrshire, was chosen as Plant Mechanic Apprentice of the Year.

The accolades, supported by Currie Contractors, Gordon Bow Plant Hire and CITB, recognise the pair's progress through their CITB apprenticeships.

Speaking about MacLeod's performance, Ian Guymer, Programme Manager at the National Construction College, said: "Kate is an outstanding young plant operator who consistently demonstrates a high level of competence in both the theoretical and practical aspects of her training. She applies technical knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios and has passed all assessments with outstanding results, receiving particular commendation for her 360 excavator assessment, where her performance exceeded expectations.

"Kate has shown exceptional skill and confidence when operating both the 360 excavator and roller, displaying a natural aptitude beyond her years through precise machine control and rapid adaptability. Her tester specifically highlighted her as a standout operator with significant potential within the industry.

"Overall, Kate's drive, determination and commitment to excellence clearly demonstrate her readiness for continued success and long-term progression within the plant operations industry."

James Currie, Managing Director at Currie Contractors, which sponsors the Plant Operator Apprentice of the Year award, added: "Congratulations to Kate! She clearly has a bright future ahead of her and it is great to see a young woman highlighting a career in the plant industry, I hope her achievement inspires other young people to join this sector."

MacLeod said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to the SPOA for my amazing award. I have had the best year, and I feel so fortunate for all the opportunities I've had so far. I never expected to receive an award like this. I'm very lucky to have the experience that I did in college at CITB Bircham Newton with fantastic instructors and then developing my skills through working on different sites with knowledgeable people who I'm always learning from at Calmax Construction."

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Donald Mackay, Director at Calmax Construction, commented: "We are extremely proud of Kate and her achievement in being named SPOA Plant Operator Apprentice of the Year. From the outset, Kate has shown outstanding commitment, attitude and a real passion for the plant industry. She has embraced every opportunity to learn and develop her skills, and this award is thoroughly deserved. Kate is a real credit to Calmax Construction and a fantastic example of the talent coming through apprenticeships."

On Griffin's achievement, Juan Barrera, Programme Manager in Plant Mechanics at the National Construction College, said: "Sam has consistently demonstrated an outstanding attitude and work ethic throughout his Plant Mechanics training at the National Construction College Scotland. He approaches every task with determination, never shying away from challenges and always gives his best effort.

"His strong attendance, engagement, and willingness to ask thoughtful questions have supported excellent progress in both theory and practical work. Sam produces detailed and accurate work, and his engine rebuild showed real care and growing technical confidence.

"His successful completion of Level 2 training reflects his commitment to developing his mechanical skills. Sam remains keen to learn, motivated to improve, and focused on becoming the best mechanic he can be.

"His attitude, consistency, and genuine passion for the trade make him a deserving winner of SPOA Plant Mechanic Apprentice of the Year."

Griffin said: "It's really hard to put into words the sheer excitement I felt when it was announced that I'd won SPOA's Apprentice Plant Mechanic of the Year Award 2025/2026. It just goes to show that with hard work, dedication and determination, you can achieve things like this. I would like to again, extend my thanks to the SPOA, the sponsors, the organisers, CITB, both the college and my tutors, both my tradesmen David and Robert Hope and finally EGGER, my employer, who took the chance with me as a 16-year-old applying to work for them."

Jamie McKechnie, Apprenticeship Coordinator at EGGER UK, said: "Congratulations to Sam on this amazing achievement! Sam has been an outstanding apprentice from day one, demonstrating a genuine passion for his trade and a strong desire to get the most out of his apprenticeship.

"He has never shied away from a challenge and consistently seeks to expand his knowledge by taking on tasks and projects with enthusiasm. Sam has grown in confidence through the combination of theoretical and practical work, and this is reflected in the high standard of his workmanship. He also volunteers to work alongside the fitters during shutdowns, explaining that he does this to "better his knowledge of the machinery he repairs".

"For the business, this is an exceptional attitude and a valuable approach to professional development. This award is a testament to Sam's hard work, but more importantly, to his positive attitude towards everything he encounters, always with a smile on his face. We firmly believe that Sam has a very bright future ahead of him. Congratulations once again, Sam, from all at EGGER."

Graham Bow, Managing Director of Gordon Bow Plant Hire, sponsor of the Plant Mechanic Apprentice of the Year award, said: "We are delighted to support the Plant Mechanic Apprentice of the Year Award. It's great to see new talent emerging because without it, the industry can't progress."

The Apprentice of the Year awards have become a highlight of the association's Annual Dinner. David Jarvie, President of the SPOA, said: "Congratulations to Kate and Sam, our SPOA Apprentices of the Year 2025/2026. Both are examples of young people with passion and determination to succeed, and both have bright careers ahead of them. I would encourage all SPOA member businesses to consider offering apprenticeships, as we continue to deal with the challenge of skills shortage in our industry."