University of Bath student Alexander Relf has received a prestigious inaugural award from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) for his performance during a placement year as part of his engineering course.
Alexander, who is originally from Loughborough, impressed his host company, Skanska UK in Hertfordshire, with his work on the M1 Junction 19 Improvement Scheme, which links the M6 and the A14, where he was involved in the construction of 12 cross-carriageway gantries.
As a result of his hard work, Alexander was judged the first-ever winner of the University of Bath industrial placement student prize at the CECA South West Training Awards, which are presented to trainee civil engineers, apprentices and lifetime achievers in recognition of exceptional performance and dedication.
Alexander was delighted to win the award and said: “My experience with Skanska confirmed my career decision and gave me a great sense of achievement, particularly during my time on the motorway project. At one point, this involved overseeing a 500 ton crane lifting a 100 ton steel gantry in place across a 61 metre span of carriageway.”
Joanne Pike of the University of Bath said: “Alexander fully deserves his award after a very successful year at Skanska. Like all his co-students, he exhibited considerable skills and commitment during his placement and learned an enormous amount – which is a positive reflection of the support provided by the University, by CECA and, of course, by our partner employers.”
Alan Taylor, Executive Director at CECA South West, said: “Alexander was a worthy winner of our inaugural University of Bath placement award. He is a very impressive young man and exemplifies the talent that the south west needs to nurture if we are to optimise the significant investment in infrastructure that is earmarked for the region.
“As Alexander has proven, civil engineering offers a very exciting and rewarding career path for young men and women – with lots of different entry options – and I hope many more will explore the opportunities available, with the support of their parents and careers advisers.”
Alexander received a certificate and cheque for £500 at the Awards Lunch at The Imperial Hotel, Torquay.