Meet our CECA students
Civil Engineering Operations Graduate
Mikey Bell (16) from Inverness worked as a kitchen porter in a hotel and a labourer before joining the CECA Scotland Academy course. Now he can’t wait to join the civil engineering workforce.
“The lecturers were very good because they spoke to you like a friend and explained the work very well. The course has definitely opened up opportunities for me. I’m really looking forward to working full time and starting my career,” said Mikey.
“My highlights were the site visits to see what it is actually like working on a big site, and I made a good friend through the course. I also really enjoyed the practical work.”
Civil Engineering Operations Graduate
“UHI Inverness has helped me find what I want to do in the future, now all I need to do is get a job,” said Alison Wright (16) from Easter Ross who celebrated completing the Civil Engineering Operations course at the CECA Scotland Academy graduation.
“I did a Friday college course in construction during high school, then left school and joined the CECA programme. I really liked meeting new people, learning new skills and going to site visits.”
Civil Engineering Operations Graduate
Ronin McKay graduated recently from the CECA Scotland Academy course in Civil Engineering Operations we ran at UHI Inverness, and now has ambitions to become a self-employed stonemason.
His mother Lisa Philip said: “After attending my son’s graduation from the CECA Scottish academy course as a Civil Engineering Operative, I was blown away by how much time and effort had gone into the course. Everyone was so enthusiastic about the industry, and it is clearly rubbing off on all of the graduates! They were all brimming with confidence and excited about their futures, which as a parent is a really fabulous sight to see. My son Ronin spoke very highly of his lecturers and all of the students looked to have a good rapport with them. How many kids can finish a course they loved and very likely, walk away with a job? I for one am just delighted that my son was able to be a part of this and given such a brilliant opportunity.”
Ronin, who is hopeful of finding a job, said: "My favourite part of the course was the laying kerbs and channels unit, as I enjoyed the mixing of lime mortar. I also enjoyed forming concrete structures and drainage. I plan to work my way up the levels, learning lots of different aspects of the trade and hopefully be a self-employed stonemason in the future."
Civil Engineering Operations Graduate
Josh Fisher (17) from Newtonmore studied a social care course in college before opting to study for the CECA Academy civil engineering qualification.
“I loved meeting new people and gaining skills and qualifications, and I received great support from the lecturers. I’m now hoping the course will lead to an apprenticeship,” he said.
Civil Engineering Operations Graduate
Working outside in the nice weather and meeting people from different walks of life were the highlights of the CECA Scotland Academy Civil Engineering Operations course for graduate Georgia Butler.
Georgia (16) from Culbokie said: “Through this course I have gained different qualifications that I never had before, and I have learned new skills for the future.”
Georgia graduated from the 18-week programme, run by UHI Inverness, earlier this month and has already attracted interest from employers.
Civil Engineering Operations Graduate
Jordan Strachan (16) joined the Civil Engineering Operations course from Inverness Royal Academy and really enjoyed working outside at the Balloch campus and learning something new.
“I thought the course was good, the teachers were helpful and always helped me out. It has now given me a much clearer idea of what I want to do,” he said.
Civil Engineering Operations Graduate
Craig Watts accepted a job with a local firm just days after he graduated from the CECA Scotland Academy Civil Engineering Operations course at UHI Inverness.
“I enjoyed the practical and hands-on nature of the course,” said Craig (19) from Tore who had previously studied National 5 programmes online at UHI Inverness.
“The teaching was done in a relaxed style, making the class less stressful and learning more enjoyable. The course was helpful in opening doors for me to employers and companies,” he said.