Member Article

Michael Green wins recognition at CECA 2023 Young Achiever Awards

University of Plymouth student Michael Green, from Chudleigh, Devon, has won a Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Young Achiever Award for the quality of his work during a placement year in industry.

Michael undertook his placement with Bridge Civil Engineering as part of his MEng Civil Engineering degree course, working on key projects at Gornhay in Tiverton and Salmon Pool in Exeter.

At Gornhay, improvement works for Devon County Council were required to reinstate an embankment to prevent flooding, extend a pre-existing headwall and replace a debris screen. The Salmon Pool project involved installing a 900mm diameter pipe through an existing culvert under a road, installing a 6.5 ton headwall, resurface the carriageway and footpath and re-align the existing road on to new made-up ground.

Said Michael: “I’ve got engineering in my blood - I’m from a family of engineers and have always been interested in construction, so was immediately attracted by the course at the University of Plymouth. The support I received from Bridge Civil Engineering during my placement year was fantastic and included a personal mentor, who would often come to site with me, challenge me and direct me. What I really like about civil engineering is that every day is different…and you are tested on every project.”

Speaking at the presentation at The Grand Hotel in Torquay, Phil Ramsden, Chair, CECA (South West), said: “Throughout his placement, Michael was presented with, and overcame, many challenges, gaining valuable experience which will stand him in good stead as he pursues a successful career in civil engineering.

“Civil engineering construction is vital to national and regional infrastructure investment in transport, energy, coastal protection and more, and central to our transition to a low carbon economy. This industry presents huge opportunities for people across a broad spectrum of roles - and it’s essential that we attract talented individuals, whether they are university, college and school leavers or people looking for a change of career, if we are to build a prosperous and sustainable future.”

The CECA South West Young Achiever Awards are presented annually in recognition of exceptional performance, with each winner receiving a trophy and cheque for £500.

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