A masters student in civil and coastal engineering has received a prestigious award for his outstanding performance during a placement year.
Peter Boden was named best placement student by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) after impressing his host company, Dyer & Butler in Swindon.
He worked on numerous projects, ranging from simple masonry repairs to full bridge demolitions and reconstructions - and one particular project involved removing and replacing a bridge which carried the main line from London Paddington to Bristol over a single weekend period.
As a result of his hard work, Peter was invited to the CECA South West Training Awards, which are presented to trainee civil engineers, apprentices and lifetime achievers in recognition of exceptional performance and dedication.
Peter said:
“My experience with Dyer & Butler was both enjoyable and challenging – I was particularly proud of my involvement in the bridge removal and replacement project because we were working to very tight deadlines due to road and rail line closures."
Dr Andrew Fox, Peter's placement tutor, said:
“Peter spent just over a year working for Dyer & Butler and during that time was engaged in a wide range of civil engineering activities. On his placement Peter developed a good grasp of how a civil engineering contractor operates and the important roles played by different people in such an organisation.
"Peter was thoughtful when evaluating his experience, identifying clear linkages between his academic programme and his practical work experience. Peter revealed a good grasp of his own personal development, understanding the achievements he has made along his journey towards becoming a qualified civil engineer, recognising where his professional skills have become strong and also where he still needs to improve his knowledge."
Alan Taylor, Executive Director at CECA South West, said:
“Peter 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 Peter 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.”
