Nick Olds, from Bere Regis, Dorset, has been named the south west’s most promising trainee civil engineer at this year’s Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Young Achiever Awards.

Nick joined Suttle Projects as a Graduate Engineer with an MEng in Civil Engineering (First Class) from the University of Bath and is aiming to achieve the Chartered Civil Engineering qualification, which he anticipates completing in 2023. He received the award for his outstanding written and verbal communication skills and his ability to visualise the entire process of a contracting business from early in his career.

Over the last three years Nick has carried out many roles both as an engineer and manager. For example, at Furzey Island in Poole Harbour (an oil drilling site) he tendered for, secured and managed the project, whilst at Staplewood Gym (used by Southampton FC for training), he has provided efficient innovative pile design.

He also worked on many other projects, including Mytholmroyd Station in Lancashire, Wimbledon Traincare Depot, Langport Rail Embankment, Swanworth Quarry, Palmers Brewery in Bridport and Waldo Road Recycling Depot in Bromley.

Speaking at the presentation in Torquay, Phil Ramsden, Chair, CECA (South West) said: “Congratulations to Nick who has made an exceptional start to his career, full of enthusiasm and with the ability to succeed.

“There are huge opportunities opening up in our industry for college leavers, graduates and people looking for a change of career, with more than a dozen major infrastructure projects due to start in the South West over the next year or so. Now is a great time to be joining our industry.”

The CECA South West Young Achiever Awards are presented annually in recognition of exceptional performance, with each winner receiving a trophy and cheque for £500.