The CECA Southern NextGen Foundations Group and CECA South West Foundations Group are about far more than promoting the industry to current and future generations. They provide a platform that empowers emerging professionals to build confidence, develop lasting industry relationships and discover skills they never knew they had. We’ve recently been speaking to some of our NextGen Group members about what they’ve gained from being part of the groups and their experiences highlight the real impact the groups are having on the next generation of civil engineering professionals.
Ryan George, NextGen Chair, credits the group with helping him engage confidently with industry leaders, contribute to wider industry discussions and build a network of ambitious professionals across different sectors.
“The relationships and connections built through the NextGen group have fostered a network of young and highly driven professionals that continues to provide support, knowledge and opportunities.”
Max James from the South West Foundations Group has used the programme to develop his public speaking and communication skills, presenting at CECA Quarterly Meetings and even speaking in primary school assemblies to inspire future generations. “My experience with the Foundations Group has significantly strengthened my confidence in public speaking and presenting to large audiences.”
Riana Hattrell, a member of CECA NextGen for 4 years, has discovered opportunities she never expected, developing creative skills and helping to create a storybook through the group’s activities. “It’s been brilliant to turn a personal hobby into skills that can be applied in a professional setting.”
Megan Opie, NextGen Vice Chair, encourages future members to fully embrace every opportunity: “Take every opportunity you can to contribute and step out of your comfort zone – the more you put in, the more you get out.”
What unites all these experiences is the confidence to step outside a comfort zone and embrace new opportunities. Whether it’s building professional networks, developing communication skills, discovering hidden talents or taking on leadership roles, the NextGen Foundations Groups provide the support and opportunities for members to grow both personally and professionally. As our Foundations members repeatedly tell us, the more you put in, the more you get out of it.
We’re proud to support the future leaders of our industry and to see our NextGen Groups members growing in confidence, developing new skills and building the networks that will help shape the future of civil engineering.
Interested in joining either the CECA Southern NexGen Foundations Group click here or CECA South West Foundations click here.
You can read members full accounts about their experiences here:
Ryan George, Contract Manager, Future Water (Mackley & Jones Bros. JV) (CECA Southern NextGen Southern Foundations Chair)
“My experience with the CECA NextGen group has been hugely positive & rewarding. While I initially expected joining the group would help to develop my leadership skills and broaden my industry connections, some of the most valuable benefits are wider than first envisaged.
One of the biggest benefits of joining the group has been developing the confidence and demeanour to engage with industry leaders and key stakeholders outside my immediate organisation and sector. I have become more comfortable contributing to wider industry discussions, challenging ideas & decisions and building relations across different sectors, companies and disciplines. The opportunity to see how other industry professionals’ approach similar challenges has also given me a much broader perspective and understanding on the industry, and I feel has directly led to my performance and progression within the industry.
The influence of the group has extended beyond my own development; I have been able to bring ideas, contacts and opportunities back into my own workplace, as well as encourage others to become more involved to represent the incredible industry we work in. The relationships and connections built through the NextGen group have fostered a network of young and highly driven professional that continues to provide support, knowledge, and opportunities within the group and wider.
My advice to future participants would be to get involved as much as possible. The value of the group is directly proportional to what you put into it. Attend the events, volunteer for opportunities, speak to people outside your usual network and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the most valuable experiences and opportunities are often the ones you would not have expected when you first joined.”
Max James, Site Engineer, Bridge Civil Engineering (CECA South West Foundations Group)
“My experience with the Foundations Group has significantly strengthened my confidence in public speaking and presenting to large audiences. This has included delivering presentations at CECA Quarterly Meetings to industry professionals, as well as speaking in primary school assemblies to introduce young students to the industry.
These opportunities have been invaluable in developing my communication skills and preparing me for interactions with clients and external stakeholders. Most importantly, this has provided a supportive, pressure free environment in which I could practise and refine the skills required for effective presentations. This preparation proved particularly beneficial during my End Point Assessment interviews.
My involvement with the Foundations Group has enabled me to connect with other young like-minded professionals. This has created a valuable network of peers with whom I can exchange ideas and discuss potential challenges on projects with. These relationships have been instrumental in broadening my perspective and strengthening my problem-solving approach.
In addition, the group has helped me build meaningful industry contacts. Through fellow members, I have been able to reach specialist subcontractors and access expertise that has directly supported project delivery. This collaborative environment has been an important part of my professional development and continues to enhance the quality of my work”.
Riana Hattrell, Section Engineer, Kier (CECA Southern NextGen Southern Foundations Member)
“I didn’t expect to join a foundation group and have the opportunity to develop my artistic skills, including creating a storybook. It’s been brilliant to turn a personal hobby into skills that can be applied in a professional setting. My advice to future participants is to get involved and make the most of every opportunity, as it allows you to explore new skills, step outside your comfort zone, and grow as a well-rounded individual”.
Megan Opie, Planner, Barhale (CECA Southern NextGen Southern Foundations Vice Chair)
“Being part of the CECA NextGen group has been extremely rewarding and enjoyable over the last few years. IT has given me the opportunity to network and collaborate with colleagues across the industry and from a wide range of companies. From STEM events to site visits, the group has given me access to a huge range of opportunities for professional and personal development.
The group has helped me develop my communication skills by networking with a wide range of both industry professionals and potential new members of the industry. It has strengthened my understanding of the construction industry as a whole and has played an invaluable part of my career development.
I would strongly encourage anyone to join the CECA NextGroup and really throw themselves into getting involved. Take every opportunity you can to contribute and step out of your comfort zone – the more you put in the more you get out”!