Jessica Rose from Bishop’s Frome in Herefordshire has been named as the heating industry’s top Rising Star at the sector’s most highly-regarded awards. Having been shortlisted from dozens of entries earlier in the year, Jessica out-performed finalists from across the UK to take home the coveted award.
Jessica is a City & Guilds Level 3 Gas Operative and has worked on her apprenticeship for just over six months. Her original entry demonstrated problem-solving abilities, including issues in oil servicing, breakdowns and installations, and this has helped her to learn something completely new outside of her gas qualification.
She then went on to complete a technical challenge as part of the judging process, which saw her score highly and seal the win.
In its tenth year, the awards scheme celebrates installers who demonstrate exceptional technical ability, knowledge of the best sustainable products and the latest regulation, problem-solving and customer care.
Jessica impressed the judges with her knowledge of the sector, which she has gained in a short time frame, her enthusiasm for her career, her choice of product selection when solving client problems, and her willingness to continually learn.
Commenting on her award win, Jessica said: “When I first wanted to get into the trade I was 19 years old, but I had no confidence and no way of supporting myself through the training.
“Now, nearly 10 years later, I’m making my way through my gas apprenticeship alongside an incredible network of tradespeople.
“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, so this award really is just amazing to win – thank you to everyone. I have the biggest drive and passion to be the best I can be and I’m proof that if you do what you love, you will love what you do!”
Her employers commented: “Jessica takes ownership, accountability and responsibility for herself and her college portfolio is extremely detailed to levels I have not seen previously.
“She shows initiative and curiosity, having a go at tasks she’s comfortable with or has completed before, whilst trying to learn about tasks she’s not encountered previously.
“Jess is a great team member, she is well liked because of the behaviours she shows on a daily basis, and all of my engineers would have her work with them due to her aptitude and commitment.
“Her determination to make the most of the opportunity presented to her and her drive to succeed stands her apart from the rest. Jess is punctual, respectful, reliable; she is a great example of professionalism and maturity within the workplace. We’re all delighted for her.”
Alongside the industry-wide recognition that comes with the prestigious accolade, Jessica will enjoy a variety of prizes provided by award sponsors.
The nationwide awards scheme recognises the achievements and raises the credibility of plumbers and heating installers across the country who deliver excellent customer service on a daily basis. Representatives from the awards’ partners and sponsors CIPHE, The IPG, Polypipe Building Products, Refresh, Samsung Climate Solutions, Stelrad and Powered Now, as well as a team of previous winning installers, judged the entries on problem solving, product knowledge and stand out work. Any brands wishing to sponsor the awards in future years can contact HIA@refrreshpr.co.uk to find out more about the options available.
