Max's Explosive Start in Civil Engineering

Oct. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- A 32-year-old man from Plymouth has quite literally enjoyed an explosive start to his civil engineering career after being named the south west’s Most Promising Trainee in a regional awards programme run by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA).

Maximillian Clausen, who joined Highbridge (Somerset) based Delta Civil Engineering on a year’s placement from Plymouth University, was among three trainees to receive accolades for their contribution to civil engineering. At the same event, 22-year-old Sam Atwill, from Exeter, who is employed by Glendinning, was named the south west’s Most Promising Apprentice, while Alexander Randell, originally from Yeovil, was judged the Best University Placement for his time with Dyer and Butler.

Max’s success is the result of a career change inspired by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.  

“I used to cross the Brunel railway bridge and the Tamar bridge at Saltash virtually every day and, even though I already held a degree in history, I realised that what I really wanted to be was an engineer involved in design and construction,” he said. “So I took a foundation course at Plymouth University before embarking on a Master’s degree in Civil and Coastal Engineering.”

Max impressed Delta with his commitment and performance on a number of projects - one of which involved the use of explosives to excavate a 17m shaft in the Mendips onto an existing aquaduct.

Apprentice winner Sam Atwill, who works for Newton Abbot-based Glendinning, undertook his training through South West Highways’ shared apprenticeship programme, in conjunction with CITB-ConstructionSkills. He said: “I left school at 16 and tried a number of jobs, but when Glendinning offered me an apprenticeship, I could see a career path opening up for me. I’ve been given the opportunity to work on lots of projects - I really enjoy the fact that every day is different.”

Plymouth University undergraduate Alexander Randell says that his year in industry took him from ‘green student engineer to a capable site engineer’.  During his time with Dyer and Butler he worked on a wide range of projects, gaining experience and confidence to the point where he was able to make a significant contribution to a challenging bridge construction project.

“I originally considered architecture,” said Alexander, “but soon realised that my real interest was in construction and project delivery. My placement year has confirmed this passion for working in civil engineering and I am now looking forward to completing my Master’s degree, building a career and ultimately achieving chartered engineer status.”

Alan Taylor, Executive Director at CECA South West, said: “It’s very important to the regional economy that we continue to attract talented young people into civil engineering, whether through university programmes or through apprenticeships. They are vital to our ability to meet our infrastructure challenges now and in the future.”