After facing off against tough competition, Carl Ladd, was announced this year’s Rising Star winner at the Heating Installer Awards 2021.
Carl entered the awards earlier on in the year after hearing about it on social media. When the judges reviewed his entry, they were particularly impressed with his commitment to learning and his positive approach, particularly as he switched to a plumbing and heating career after suffering a serious hand injury in an accident.
We sat down with Carl to catch up on what he’s been up to since winning the Rising Star award and what his plans are for the future.
- Tell us about what you’re up to at the moment
I am really busy at the moment working on various projects whilst continuing to complete my apprenticeship. On top of that, I am also continuing to run the Apprentice Foundation which I set up a couple of years ago, and we have some exciting projects in the pipeline… watch this space!
- What benefits have you seen since being shortlisted and then winning the Rising Star Awards 2021?
I have received loads of support on social media from fellow plumbers. The plumbing and heating installer community on Instagram is a really positive and supportive place to be.
I have often taken advice from installers on Instagram and they really inspire me, whether it’s a ‘how to’ video or a product recommendation post, there is loads we can learn from each other.
When it was announced that I had been shortlisted, I received numerous messages of support from really influential people in the industry wishing me luck and commenting on the standard of my work. To be at the awards ceremony with the highest level of talent in the country, whilst surrounded by sponsors from some of the biggest industry names, was really surreal.
I also received some really positive and valuable feedback from the sponsors at the awards which really boosted my confidence. When you have such big brands congratulating you on the standard of your entry it is very humbling.
- What are your plans for the future?
The main plan is to complete my apprenticeship! I am looking forward to learning as much as much as I can and continue to grow my knowledge across the sector and take on some more complex and exciting jobs!
- What products could you not live without on a job and why?
I absolutely love Milwaukee Tools. For me, they are absolutely the highest standard on the market, they are really powerful and reliable. It makes life so much easier when you work with tools that never let you down on a job.
As I continue my apprenticeship, I am looking forward to working with more brands and finding new amazing tools to add to my collection.
- What advice do you have for anyone entering next year’s Heating Installer Awards 2022?
My biggest piece of advice is to commit to the process. The Heating Installer Awards is no joke, you are going up against some of the biggest names in the industry and the sponsors will be watching you.
It takes a certain amount of time and you have to be comfortable showing off your practical and theoretical knowledge. Don’t worry about the public vote as much, having a huge social media following doesn’t matter as it is only one area of the scoring. It’s all about the quality of work, your knowledge, and your commitment to the trade.
Throw yourself in and you won’t regret it, it will help you to build relationships with some top players and brands in the industry and it’s also a great laugh! I made some great friendships with the others who had been shortlisted and it was amazing to be able to celebrate our work after a really difficult 18 months.
- Anything else you’d like to add?
I would just like to again say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this process. I am truly honoured to have won this award. Plumbing and heating has become a real passion for me and winning the Rising Star award against incredibly talented competition has just highlighted that I am on the right track.
Be sure to follow Carl on Instagram @the_apprentice_plumber
