The ceremony, which took place during CECA Scotland's 23rd Annual Dinner in the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow Central, was attended by almost six hundred guests representing all sections of the Scottish civil engineering sector. The 2018 awards were presented by stand up comedian and radio legend, Des Clarke.
This year's #CECAScotlandAward winners were:
• Most Promising Apprentice: Christopher Scappaticcio (Amey Highways)
• Most Promising Technician: Lewis Meeks (Pat Munro)
• Most Promising Trainee Quantity Surveyor: Declan Miller (BAM Nuttall)
• Most Promising New Entrant Trainee Civil Engineer (Joint Winners): Kim McGowan (Morrison Construction) & Kathleen Villaluz (BAM Nuttall)
Rab Bell, Chair of CECA Scotland said: "Our awards are going from strength to strength, reflecting the huge amount of talent in our industry. This year we had a record number of entries, making it a particularly difficult decision for our judging panel.
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"The quality of entrants was so high that in our Most Promising Trainee Civil Engineer category, we have made a joint award, reflecting the exceptional standard of both winners.
"One of the biggest challenges facing our industry is lack of diversity but I'm pleased our winners show our industry is changing. Civil engineering offers an exciting range of career opportunities for all and I would encourage young people to look at civil engineering and play a part in shaping Scotland's future infrastructure."
Kathleen Villaluz, joined BAM Nuttall in 2017 and is an Assistant Engineer. Originally from the Philippines, Kathleen and he family arrived in the UK when she was 10. Despite being unable to speak English on arrival, Kathleen has excelled academically.
Currently based at the Beatrice Offshore & Maintenance project in Wick, Kathleen has also worked on the prestigious V&A Museum project.
After being announced as joint winner of CECA Scotland's Most Promising Trainee Civil Engineer award, Kathleen offered this advice to young women considering a career in the sector: "Be comfortable with the fact that engineering is difficult so you wouldn't be afraid of facing all the challenges that comes with it. Take it one step at a time instead of trying to make big leaps".
Also scooping a award in this category was new mum Kim McGowan, a Section Engineer with Morrison Construction, based near Inverness. Kim is passionate about encouraging the next generation to pursue a career in civil engineering. Commenting on her award, she said: "I am delighted to be recognised by CECA for my hard work and dedication to the civil engineering industry, it is a great honour to receive this award. My top tips for young people wanting to pursue a career in Civil Engineering is to look at all different avenues. There are foundation apprenticeships, block release training schemes available as well as the university degree route, so find what suits you best. Civil Engineering is a great career as every day you are faced with a different challenge."
