New College Durham student, Eleanor Robson, is gaining first-hand experience in industry thanks to a year-long T Level placement with the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) North East.
The placement reflects the industry body’s commitment to supporting young talent and providing meaningful opportunities that go beyond the classroom.
CECA North East is the regional division of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, the leading industry body representing civil engineering contractors across the UK. It supports companies that deliver vital infrastructure in sectors such as transport, utilities and energy. CECA North East provides advocacy, training and networking opportunities for its members and works closely with industry partners to promote skills, safety and sustainable growth in the sector.
Eleanor, 17, from Chester-le-Street, is studying Business Administration and Management at New College Durham. She will spend one day each week at CECA North East, alongside three full days and one-half day at college, as part of her T Level course. The qualification requires students to complete 315 hours of industry placement alongside their academic studies. Keen to make a strong start, Eleanor began her placement over the summer holidays before her college timetable resumed.
The placement was facilitated by Claire Etherington, work placement coordinator at New College Durham. Claire accompanied Eleanor to the in-person interview with CECA North East, a new experience for Eleanor after her first-year placement had been conducted online.
Claire Etherington, said: “This was such a positive step for Eleanor. Stuart Miller, director and Vikki Munro, personal assistant at CECA North East, made it clear she would be given meaningful responsibility and encouraged to work independently. It is the kind of placement that gives students real experience and the confidence to grow.”
Eleanor took the interview process seriously and researched CECA beforehand. She asked to see the organisation’s annual report and said the interview felt like applying for a real job.
Eleanor Robson, said: “When I first heard about CECA, I thought civil engineering was just building sites like those my dad works on. I started researching, met the team and quickly realised there is a lot more to the industry and that CECA connect with every part of it. The interview left me feeling excited and motivated.”
Eleanor, who has several planned events and meetings to attend as part of her placement, has already taken on a leading role in CECA North East’s College Bursary Programme. Working closely with Stuart Miller, she is helping shape how the scheme is delivered. She has reviewed past applications made by college students across the North East and made recommendations to improve the quality and depth of this year’s responses.
Stuart Miller, director, CECA North East, said: “Eleanor has hit the ground running. She is not just observing but is helping to run a key initiative and is already making a real contribution to the work we do. We believe in giving young people genuine opportunities to get involved and grow their skills and Eleanor is doing just that.”
As part of the College Bursary Programme, Eleanor is helping shortlist candidates from five colleges alongside CECA’s Foundation Group. Finalists will be interviewed by the group and the winners will be announced at a regional awards ceremony, with each receiving a £500 bursary. With plans to go to university and pursue a career in human resources, her placement is already giving her valuable insight into how people management works in a highly regulated and safety-focused sector.
Eleanor, added: “It has been great to learn how HR works in a sector like this. I have been able to reach out to CECA members in HR roles and understand more about what they do. Stuart has really encouraged me to take advantage of every opportunity. It is nice to be trusted to run something important rather than just do the odd task here and there. I already feel like I am building skills that will help me in my career.”