Apprentice award a formative stage in the life of Brian
YOUNG CIVIL ENGINEER SHOWS POTENTIAL FOR GREAT CAREER
AN ‘exceptional’ young man from Farnborough has received an industry award and named the South West’s most promising apprentice.
Brian Munyanyiwa, who is beginning his third year Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme at the University of Exeter, won the accolade at this year’s Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Young Achiever Awards.
Brian works for South West Highways Ltd (SWH) and was recognised for his ability to demonstrate outstanding leadership, planning and communication skills on a variety of projects.
He has spent the past two years working at SWH in Exeter, in a supervisory role, responsible for helping and managing the health, safety and welfare of its people involved and affected by the many ongoing projects.
One such project included managing the construction of a new gas slab above an existing highpressure gas main and on another, Brian was instrumental in helping to solve a clash between an existing water main and a proposed gully, drawing upon his acquired knowledge to not only find a solution that fixed the problem, but also making a financial saving.
Abie Hearn, SWH divisional manager, said: “We are delighted that Brian has won this award, a thoroughly deserved achievement. He is an exceptional individual who shows great leadership, tenacity and, above all, selflessness. We are lucky to have him on our team and we’ll continue to support him moving forward in what I’m certain is going to be a very bright future.”
Originally from Aldershot, Brian relocated to the South West to start his apprenticeship and attend the University of Exeter. Now following the Site Management pathway with SWH, developed in collaboration with the university’s engineering partner consortium, Brian aims to graduate and become a site-based civil engineer.
Speaking at the event, Paul Santer, CECA South West regional director, said the success of Brian and other winners highlighted current opportunities available in civil engineering. He said: “Brian has made an exceptional start to his working life and is an exceptional individual who is showing great time management, planning and leadership skills, and support for his colleagues.
“Civil engineering needs more young people like Brian who can apply their talent and enthusiasm to our industry. “If you’re a young person looking for a career where no two days are the same, where you like working in a team, where you can work anywhere in the world and leave a lasting legacy for society, think about a future in civil engineering.”
The CECA South West Young Achiever Awards are presented annually in recognition of exceptional performance, with each winner receiving a trophy and a cheque for £500.