Students gain experience on Gateway scheme
A GROUP of undergraduates and schoolchildren are gaining work experience on the Mersey Gateway project in Runcorn and Widnes this summer.
Six degree students from a variety of universities are working on the project after they were picked by Kier, one of the bridge scheme’s main construction firms.
Twelve Year 10 pupils from schools across Widnes and Runcorn are already on work experience on the project.
A Mersey Gateway spokesman said the teenagers are from Sandymoor School, Saints Peter And Paul Catholic College, Wade Deacon High School, The Heath School and Weaverham High School.
They are learning about the civil engineering techniques used for the bridge and road construction, as well as materials, communications and the environmental aspects of the project.
Melissa Day, Merseylink human resources advisor, said the students would be working across a variety of project sites, in a number of different roles.
She said: “Although all of the students are engineering undergraduates they will be working in a variety of job roles.
“We want to support young talent. We need a lot more engineers in the industry, so by giving these students the opportunity to work on the Mersey Gateway project we will be providing them with vital skills and experience.
“Once they have completed their courses they will have the opportunity to apply for our graduate engineer programme.”
Peter Stoba, 22, a civil engineering student at Liverpool John Moores University, recently started his second summer work experience placement on the scheme.
He said: “The work on the Mersey Gateway bridge complements my degree really well, and is giving me a good practical insight into the theory I’m learning at university.
“I’m working in a site engineer role and am supporting the team on a variety of tasks including risk assessment and control of permits.
“Once I finish my course next year I will definitely be applying to join the graduate programme.”
Neil Wilcock, Merseylink employment and skills coordinator, said: “We’re delighted to host these placements, which offer a real insight into the science and engineering behind Halton’s new bridge.
“I’d like to think that these young people will be inspired by their time with us and that their experience may help them decide on their future career paths.”