CECA North East welcomes student placement

CECA North East has welcomed New College Durham student Eleanor Robson for a year-long T Level placement as part of its commitment to supporting young talent.

Eleanor, 17, from Chester-le-Street, is studying business administration and management and will spend one day a week with the industry body alongside her college studies. 

She has already taken a leading role in CECA North East’s College Bursary Programme, working with Stuart Miller to review applications and shape delivery of the scheme.

The placement provides Eleanor with valuable first-hand experience of people management in the civil engineering sector, supporting her long-term ambition to pursue a career in human resources.

Eleanor said: “When I first heard about CECA, I thought civil engineering was just building sites like those my dad works on. 

“I started researching, met the team and quickly realised there is a lot more to the industry and that CECA connect with every part of it. 

“The interview left me feeling excited and motivated.”

Eleanor added: “It has been great to learn how HR works in a sector like this. 

“I have been able to reach out to CECA members in HR roles and understand more about what they do. Stuart has really encouraged me to take advantage of every opportunity. 

“It is nice to be trusted to run something important rather than just do the odd task here and there. 

“I already feel like I am building skills that will help me in my career.”

The placement was facilitated by Claire Etherington, work placement coordinator at New College Durham.

Claire added: “This was such a positive step for Eleanor. 

“Stuart Miller, director and Vikki Munro, personal assistant at CECA North East, made it clear she would be given meaningful responsibility and encouraged to work independently. 

“It is the kind of placement that gives students real experience and the confidence to grow.”

Stuart added: “Eleanor has hit the ground running. 

“She is not just observing but is helping to run a key initiative and is already making a real contribution to the work we do. 

“We believe in giving young people genuine opportunities to get involved and grow their skills and Eleanor is doing just that.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →