Award Winning Placement for Plymouth University Student

Plymouth University student Ian Alberto has received a prestigious award from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) for his outstanding performance during a placement year as part of his MEng course in civil and coastal engineering.

Ian, from Wallington in Surrey, received the accolade for his achievements as a trainee site engineer with BAM Nuttall – and with infrastructure investment in the south west growing at the fastest rate of any region in England, he has certainly made the right career choice.

The CECA South West Training Awards are presented annually to trainee civil engineers, apprentices and lifetime achievers in recognition of exceptional performance and dedication.

Ian won his award for the ability he displayed working at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset. His eagerness to learn and ability to overcome the many challenges presented by a nuclear new build project exceeded the expectations of his employer – to the point where he has been offered a position with the company in the future.

Ian said: “My placement with BAM Nuttall has been one of the most challenging but fulfilling roles I have ever taken on. To be a young and aspiring engineer studying civil and coastal engineering and to work on the largest construction project  in Europe in a sector that focuses on large structures along the coast, has been everything I could  have  hoped for. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with BAM Nuttall and can’t wait to re-join.”

Congratulating Ian, Jon Benton, the Chairman of CECA South West, said that he hoped more young people would carefully consider the exciting career prospects available in civil engineering. 

“Infrastructure construction in the south west is growing faster than any other region of England - led by the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station – and, as a result, around 20,000 new jobs will be created over the next five years.”

“This opens up lots of different career opportunities for young people, and it’s vital for the health of our regional economy that we excite school leavers and graduates about their prospects in our sector and the rewards on offer.”

In recognition of his success, Ian received a certificate and cheque for £500 at the CECA South West awards ceremony at The Grand Hotel, Torquay.