The winners of the Technician of the Year Awards for 2010 were presented in November 2011.

National award

Anthony Reid has been named National Technician of the Year for 2011. He undertook a Certificate in Clay Technology NVQ Level 3 as distance learning with the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining , having already completed the Level 2 course. He was top of the class in both courses, and is awaiting details of the Level 4 qualification.

As part of the course, Anthony carried out practical exercises at Hanson Building Products, where he is being trained to become a Kiln Foreman. He has worked at Hanson since 1994.

Higher award

Matthew Moore EngTech has won the Higher Award for 2011. He studied for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering in Mechanical Fitting with The Technical Training Group, and was sponsored by his employer, Cleveland Potash Ltd, where he works as a Shift Mechanical Fitter.

Matthew completed a Level 3 BTEC in Mechanical Engineering Dual Award and Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations (Engineering Practices), before specialising in maintenance. He is now studying for a HNC in Mechanical Engineering having gained a Level 3 in Engineering Maintenance for Mechanical Fitters. As part of the Dual Award, Matthew compared renewable energy sources in terms of cost, reliability and their environmental impact.