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Celebrating excellence and community support

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) North East Annual Awards 2025 celebrated the talent, innovation and achievements shaping the North East’s civil engineering industry. 

The event highlighted key areas including talent development, skills and careers, outstanding projects, social value and health and safety initiatives, offering a platform to recognise excellence and inspire the next generation.

Building the talent pipeline

Supporting the next generation remains a core priority. 

CECA’s Foundations Group, comprising 18 individuals from 14 companies, was celebrated for its work engaging young people. 

Schools outreach continues to inspire students and develop the workforce the industry needs.

The College Bursary Programme, now in its third cohort, provides students with financial support and insight into civil engineering careers. 

The North East Institute of Technology Groundworker Bootcamps, developed with colleges, social housing providers, employers, Tees Valley Combined Authority, North East Combined Authority and CECA, allow employers to recruit or upskill staff. 

A pilot with Hartlepool College, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Seymour Skills Academy is underway, with plans for expansion in 2026.

Careers in civil engineering videos were also launched, showcasing opportunities across trades, professional roles and non-construction careers, including a video highlighting women in civil engineering.

Recognising outstanding achievement

A highlight of the evening was Chris Dancer receiving the lifetime achievement/outstanding contribution award, recognising his remarkable career and impact on North East civil engineering.

Other award winners included:

• Trainee quantity surveyor of the year: Thomas Shanley, Wyn Construction

• Trainee civil engineer of the year: Ryan Jefferson, Rainton Construction

• Apprentice of the year: Jordan Alderson, JN Bentley

• Social value initiative: Rainton Construction (Highly commended – North East Site Services, supporting the Treehouse Early Years Centre)

• Health and safety initiative: Rainton Construction (Highly commended – Esh Construction)

• Training initiative: Wyn Construction

• Environmental initiative: Esh Construction (Highly commended – Hewitson Limited)

• Subcontractor of the year: BridgeCare – The A1 Birtley to Coal House improvements

• Project of the year (less than £1 million): Rainton Construction – Locomotion Car Park

• Project of the year (£1 million to £5 million): Balfour Beatty – HOW03 Hartlepool Artificial Nesting Structure (Highly commended – Concrete Repairs Ltd: A19 Tees Viaduct Refurbishment phase two)

• Project of the year (more than £5 million): Rainton Construction – SeAH Wind monopile facility

• Special recognition award: STRABAG UK – Woodsmith Project

Rainton Construction won five awards, reflecting consistent excellence across projects and initiatives.

Supporting the community

The awards supported regional charity Heel and Toe, raising a record £10,000 through attendee generosity, a Tyne Bridge rivet auction and £1500 from the Total Warrior Charity Challenge (£10,000 raised on the night, plus £1500 in June at Total Warrior).

It is inspiring to see the sector celebrate success while making a real difference for children and families across the region.

CECA 2026 and looking forward

CECA North East will next year deliver NEC seminars, a mock trial, skills group meetings and health, safety and environmental meetings, a 'safe digging' event and a marketing campaign celebrating 30 years of CECA. 

These initiatives will provide knowledge, networking and practical tools for members and the wider industry.

The North East is on the cusp of unprecedented investment: £2.7 billion in regional transport projects; Northumberland’s AI Growth Zone, with up to £30 billion investment; private sector projects in Blyth worth £10 billion and new nuclear reactors in Hartlepool. 

Transparent project pipelines will allow contractors to invest in people, equipment and technology, helping the industry grow, develop and thrive.

Stuart Miller is director of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (North East)

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