Member Article

South West Firms Celebrate Success at CECA Training Awards

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) South West has recognised the exceptional performance and dedication of trainee civil engineers, apprentices and lifetime achievers at a special ceremony in Torquay.

Five young people received accolades at CECA’s annual training awards and a lifetime achievement award was also made at the same ceremony.

Ashley English from Plymouth, was named the Most Promising Apprentice after joining South West Highways in Exeter as an apprentice roadworker.

Jordan Anderson, from Bournemouth who is employed by Knights Brown in Ringwood, received the south west’s Most Promising Trainee Civil Engineer Award, while Liam Derrick, from Bridgend, was judged the Most Promising Trainee Quantity Surveyor for his work with Alun Griffiths (Contractors) in Bristol.

Michael Wilcox, from Plymouth, won the University of Plymouth Industrial Placement Award for his work with Dyer & Butler, with Ana Johnson Portales, from Bath, winning the equivalent accolade through the University of Bath for her time with host company, Skanska UK.

At the ceremony, Project Manager with BAM Ritchies division of BAM Nuttall, Phil Howard, from Portishead in North Somerset, was also presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award for over 40 years of civil engineering excellence.

Congratulating the winners, Paul Santer, CECA South West Regional Director, said that the success of the winners highlighted the opportunities opening up for young people in civil engineering.

Said Paul: “Skills shortages are one of the biggest challenges facing our industry, so we are working hard to encourage young people, particularly women, from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in civil engineering.

“The award winners have made a fantastic start to their working lives, and I hope they will inspire others of their generation to find out more about the wide range of professional and vocational careers offered by our industry. Many of our previous winners are now working on some of the most important infrastructure projects in the UK, which is a reflection of their skills and commitment and the extensive employer support provided for training and development.”

The CECA South West Training Awards are presented annually to trainee civil engineers, apprentices and lifetime achievers in recognition of exceptional performance and dedication. The winners each received a trophy and cheque for £500 from Jon Benton, Chairman of CECA South West, at the awards ceremony in Torquay.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Colin Bridgman .