The Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow originally comprised craftsmen associated with metalworking - traditionally "men who wielded the hammer", namely blacksmiths, goldsmiths, lorimers, cutlers, armourers, sword-makers, clockmakers, locksmiths, pewterers, tinsmiths etc. and today has a membership of over a 1000.

The Craft makes an annual award jointly with Scottish Engineering to an engineer or manager who has shown outstanding quality in the application of knowledge or innovation to his or her employer's business such as to result in a significant contribution to that business.

Stuart was put forward by his tutor at Langside College, Raymond Lyon, who explains the selection process:

‘I identify a minimum of ten of our best students from mechanical, electrical and craft students and ask them to complete an application to the Awards. In consultation with my lecturing staff we review the applications and select two students to receive prizes. The runner-up award of £200 is to go towards enhancing Stuart’s skills or learning and I have absolutely no doubt that he will apply it wisely.’

Stuart had already been identified as an outstanding engineering apprentice by his supervisor, Stannah lift engineer Billy Murdoch.

Billy explains: ‘Stuart has demonstrated exceptional ability throughout his apprenticeship and thoroughly deserves this recognition. He is always ahead of target in everything he does and is due to complete his HNC Engineering by the end of June, again ahead of schedule. Stuart has been working on our major lift refurbishment programme and would like to continue his engineering career in this area. We would be delighted to have him on board.’

Stannah Lift Services are a national company and part of the Stannah Group of Companies. They have eleven service branches across the UK, all of them employing engineering apprentices.

> More information about Stannah in Scotland
> More information about the Stannah Apprenticeship nationwide scheme