MAINTEC 2013 will feature brand new awards which are being run in association with Engineering Maintenance Solutions. The awards have two categories, Maintenance Person of the Year and Maintenance Apprentice of the Year, and will be presented during the show which takes place on 5-7 March at the NEC.

We held a question and answer session with the judges to find out what qualities they are looking for. The judges are Paul Sacker, Managing Director of Crimson Industrial Vision, Mike Brook, Business Development Director at Eriks Industrial Services and Dr Steve Lacey, Engineering Manager at Schaeffler (UK) Ltd.

We kicked off by asking:

Why do you think the awards are so important?

For Mike Brook, it's all about boosting maintenance's profile within industry:

"It is hard enough for maintenance to get recognition from within its own company that it is doing a good job, so for professionals to get recognised by peers at MAINTEC for the job they are doing and receive an award for it, encourages the winner and boosts the maintenance profession as a whole."

Paul Sacker agrees that maintenance's contribution is not always recognised:

"Maintenance sometimes struggles to get the reward for delivering reliable plant that underpins the ability of an organisation to deliver products to time and on cost. Maintenance professionals that adapt best practice to their site and show the benefits should be rewarded with industry recognition."

Dr Lacey also thinks the awards are an important way to promote apprenticeships:

"The award for apprentices recognises the need and importance of apprenticeships to industry and will help widen the appeal of apprenticeships to talented individuals who may think that a university degree is the only route to a top job."

What is your view on the state of play of apprentices in the industry?
Some of the judges believe the increase in apprentices is a direct result of failings in mainstream education.

Paul Sacker:

"Individual apprentice schemes are increasing as companies recognise the need to train up the next generation of technicians and engineers with skills specific to their requirements. The collapse of further education provision for the skills sector, and the weak delivery of basic mathematics, science and technical skills from the secondary education sector have revived the need to create apprentices."

Dr Lacey agrees:

"Over recent years I have been very disappointed by the quality of engineering graduates, and as part of the recruitment process we have to carry out our own internal assessment in order to establish their understanding of basic engineering principles, which incidentally many fail to meet. Given that universities are failing industry, I believe that the apprenticeship route offers employers, such as Schaeffler, the opportunity to take in talented individuals at an early age and provide them with the best practical and technical training to meet industry's needs."

Why is encouraging apprentices so important?

The judges also feel apprentices bring other benefits to industry.

Paul Sacker:

"Engineering is a strength within the British economy, we need to ensure that we continue to be able to innovate and compete against developing economies. Apprentices will become the innovators of the future, and will ensure that skills developed within our specialist industries are retained, carried through and advanced."

Dr Lacey:

"Unfortunately I see no changes in the short to medium term to address the concerns of industry, in particular the very poor practical skills and understanding of basic engineering principles that some of today's graduates seem to have. Industry cannot rely on graduates alone and must look to apprenticeships to deliver the appropriate practical and technical skills required for the future. Apprenticeships offer experience and different challenges, they learn to work better and more effectively and get support when they need it.

Mike Brook speaks from personal experience when talking about the value of apprenticeships:

"I started my career as an apprentice, though many years ago, and, this plus my involvement in setting up our company's apprenticeship scheme mean I have always been a strong believer in apprenticeships. An apprenticeship certainly gave me a great trade, a base to grow from and a good start in life."

Given apprentices are an important resource for British industry, what are you looking for when assessing apprentices for the MAINTEC 2013 Maintenance Apprentice of the Year Award?

Paul Sacker is looking for the apprentice to understand all areas of maintenance:

"A willingness to learn about all aspects of maintenance, including design, maintenance strategies and an understanding of what might be an appropriate strategy for various plants."

Dr Lacey wants to see dedication to the apprenticeship as well as a core understanding of the industry:

"I'm looking for an individual who has shown enthusiasm, commitment and has demonstrated his ability to work on his own initiative and within a team; somebody who looks at things logically and can demonstrate success in identifying a problem and providing a solution. Good practical skills are also important and the individual would need to show that they have a good understanding of assembling mechanical components i.e. selecting the right fits, using the right tools, environmental considerations etc."

For Mike Brook, it's a matter of asking some fundamental questions:

"I would like to know from the apprentice why they are doing an apprenticeship, the reason they want to go through it. Why did their company select them and why is it giving them this opportunity? Do they enjoy the trade they are learning, do they appreciate the skills they are being taught and what do they give back to their employers? Where do they fit into the company's future plans? Do they brag to their mates that they are an apprentice?"

The new awards are not only designed to applaud apprentices, they also recognise great, experienced maintenance professionals. So we asked the judges...

What are you looking for in the Maintenance Person of the Year?

Paul Sacker:

"I'm looking for someone who has delivered a cultural step change in the way that maintenance has been viewed and practiced within their business, and can show that the methods introduced have delivered genuine improvements to both plant reliability and overall cost management. I also want to see that this is part of a continuous improvement process. I expect them to be able to discuss where the next steps will take them."

Mike Brook wants to see an individual who is really involved in their company:

"Do they know what the company they work for does? Do they understand the processes that go on around them, where do they fit into their company's structure, plans, discussions, decision making? How do they keep their skills up to date? How do they make a difference?"

Dr Lacey is looking for an all rounder:

"I'm keen to see enthusiasm, commitment and a will to succeed. They need to show an ability to work on their own initiative as well as being part of a team. Good problem solving and communication skills are important too, plus of course a demonstration of good technical and practical skills."

Deadlines are fast approaching, so if you know a maintenance professional or apprentice who should be put forward for the awards, or would like to enter yourself visit www.easyFairs.com/MAINTECUK

The Awards are being presented during MAINTEC 2013 which is free to attend and takes place from 5-7 March 2013 at the NEC, Birmingham. As the UK's only show dedicated to industrial maintenance and asset management, MAINTEC will feature a packed show floor of exhibitors, a conference plus 38 learnShops spread across the three days. To see the full programme, visit www.easyFairs.com/MAINTECUK

Stand bookings for MAINTEC 2013 can be made by contacting Jerry Dawson on +44(0)20 88438823 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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