Following their recent VIP day at the JCB factory, courtesy of JCB, the winners of the Stars of the Future plant operative and young plant operative categories, James Grant and Molly Gill respectively – both from Flannery Plant Hire, underwent the other part of their prize, a training course and CPCS card for backhoe/loader in early March 2026.This generous prize was offered by co-category sponsor and CPA Council Chair, Siôn Morgan Jones of the ACOP Group and co-sponsored by CPCS.
Due to the recent long-term inclement weather however, the ground conditions at the ACOP training centre prevented training on the backhoe/loader but gave the chance for Molly and James to undertake other categories of their choice.
James chose the 360 wheeled excavator category and with time being available, also undertook the tracked and wheeled dump truck categories as well. Molly chose the telescopic handler, which included the lifting suspended loads option, with her training programme supported by Peter Brown, CPA’s Technical Director and former plant instructor, aiding Siôn as he focussed on James. Both easily passed all their category tests.
Molly said: “I really appreciated Siôn’s and Peter’s help with getting this ticket, how much they made the week special and for their advice and knowledge. I had an amazing time in Wales and I feel so lucky and grateful to the ACOP Group and the CPA for the opportunity to upskill and grow further in my career. I’m miss waking up in beautiful Wales!”
James said: “The week spent with Siôn and the team at the ACOP Group was truly amazing. Siôn and the team were so kind and generous with their time. We had a wonderful week in beautiful South Wales and I was lucky enough to come away with three new tickets. which I’m very grateful for. It was a wonderful prize, thank you.”
The CPA wish both Molly and James all the success in their future careers and Molly will further be appearing as a speaker at the forthcoming CPA Conference being hosted in London on 21st May 2026, relaying her switch of career to become a plant operator.
With many thanks to our sponsors for the Young Plant and Plant Operative of the Year Awards 2025 – ACOP Group, L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, NOCN Group/CPCS and JCB. We simply couldn’t offer these amazing prizes and recognition without your support.
Picture: Molly and James (centre) flanked by Sion Morgan Jones (right) and CPCS and ACOP staff.
