Awards

St Michael Medallion

The St Michael Medallion is the highest award given by the Company. It was created by the Court in 1951, to reward distinguished service in plumbing, and is limited to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of plumbing in the widest sense. The award is therefore, in a sense, a lifetime achievement award and is made only in exceptional circumstances, not every year.

Read more about the latest recipient Past Master Professor Rodney Cartwright.

Gold and Silver Medals

Gold Medal — previously presented to students who have achieved the highest standard in NVQ Level 3 Certificate in MES Plumbing, it is now awarded to the winner of the plumbing & heating element of the Worldskills UK competition, who then goes on to represent the UK in the international competition

Silver Medal — for students who have achieved NVQ Level 2 Certificate in MES Plumbing or equivalent and demonstrated excellent endeavor and achievement.

Armed Forces Awards

The Company recognises excellence in plumbing skills in the Armed Forces by giving out the Armed Forces Awards, which include being given the Freedom of the Company.

Royal Navy — The award is for the best trainee qualifying in metalwork at the Royal Naval School of Marine Engineering, HMS Sultan at Portsmouth.

Royal Air Force — The award is for the best airframe technician who during further training receives the highest combined marks in Engineering Skills and Hydraulics at The Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering at RAF Cosford.

Army — The award is for best student qualifying in plumbing at The Royal School of Military Engineering at Chatham.

Certification

The Company has a leading role in supporting the Livery Companies Skills Council in celebrating career development by recognising excellence in achievement through the Apprentice, Journeyman and Master Certificates.

Historically, Master craftsmen were not only at the top of their trade, they were also a Master because they had an Apprentice who was bound to them. Once released, these Apprentices became a Freeman, and could then sell their trade as Journeymen, aspiring to become a Master themselves.

Master Certificate Awards recipients at Mansion House, 20th March 2023

Apprentice Certificate — for practising plumbers who have achieved NVQ Level 2, have appropriate work experience and are committed to proceed to NVQ Level 3.

Journeyman Certificate — for practising plumbers who have achieved NVQ Level 3, have appropriate further experience and are committed to further career development until ready to apply for the Master Certificate.

Master Certificate — the ultimate recognition for practising plumbers that will include determined individuals following skilled career paths and demonstrating an active interest in upholding professional standards.

Further information

Please contact the Clerk to find out more about the various award schemes, and how to nominate individuals.

Historical Awards

The Company no longer awards the following:

J B Wilkinson Merit Shield — inaugurated in 1913, and last awarded in 2016, it was previously administered by the Newcastle branch of  the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) for students who have achieved the highest standard in NVQ Level 2 Certificate in MES Plumbing. This award is now being reconsidered following the closure of the Newcastle branch.

Leonard Hearsey Award — for volunteer demonstrators at the Company’s museum and workshop at the Weald and Downland Museum at Amberley.

Award for Excellence in Sheet Leadwork Teaching — inaugurated in 1997, and last awarded in 2007, the award was for colleges that teach the winning student in each of the National Plumbing Competition elements of the National Skillbuild Competition.

Award for Excellence in Copper Pipework Teaching Award — inaugurated in 1997, and last awarded in 2012, the award was for colleges that teach the winning student in each of the National Plumbing Competition elements of the National Skillbuild Competition.