Shane White of SW Leadworks has been crowned Leadworker of the Year 2019. The competition, now in its eighth year, is sponsored by the Lead Sheet Training Academy, which specialises in training those using lead or hard metals in the construction industry. It was open to both self-employed leadworkers and those working for contractors.
Competitors were required to send in a portfolio showcasing their work before seven talented finalists were invited to attend a two-day practical assessment at the LSTA’s Training Centre in East Peckham, Kent. The competitors were required to complete a series of tasks over identical model roof sections, all under the watchful eye of a panel of expert judges.
Commenting on the standard of the competition this year, the LSTA’s general manager, Nick DuGard, said: “We were delighted to stage the LSTA Leadworker of the Year competition this year and the response from entrants was fantastic. The skills test over the two days was exacting but the standard of work was extremely high. The first test included bossing an outlet and on the second day the competition ramped up with a test to deliver a piece of work with double-break corners. We would like to thank everyone who took part and to congratulate Shane on winning this prestigious award.”
The judges’ task was challenging but Shane’s excellent work stood out, with the judges praising his attention to detail and the craftsmanship evident in his work. Shane, 30, is based in Somerset. Having studied carpentry at college, he soon made the switch to leadwork, initially working with family. With his grandfather being a blacksmith and his uncle having worked with lead, metalwork is something that he feels “almost runs in my blood”. He hasn’t looked back since: he now runs his own business, holds a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills and has a true passion for lead roofing, saying that he loves his work.
Speaking about the competition, he said: “After working in the industry for several years now, I’m so excited to be a finalist in the Leadworker of the Year Awards for the second time. Thank you to everyone involved for this great opportunity.”
Shane hopes to continue to hone and expand his skills in the future, having found the competition and recent short training courses at the LSTA’s Centre an inspiring experience. “It was absolutely brilliant working with the team up at the LSTA. Having done a lot of my training with one person, the different techniques and tips I picked up have been really useful.”
As well as gaining industry recognition, Shane will be awarded a number of career-boosting prizes, including a free week of training at the LSTA, a new set of tools and a copy of the Rolled Lead Sheet Manual.
Runner-up Ashley Saxton of Saxton Specialist Leadworks was a close contender for the title. He will receive a copy of the Manual and a three-day personalised development training course with the LSTA’s experienced tutors.
