Stuart Miller, director at CECA North East.
The CECA North East Annual Awards 2025 celebrated the talent, innovation and achievements shaping the North East’s civil engineering industry. The event highlighted key areas including talent development, skills and careers, outstanding projects, health & safety initiatives and social value, offering a platform to recognise excellence and inspire the next generation.
Building the Talent Pipeline
Supporting the next generation remains a core priority. CECA’s Foundations Group, comprising 18 individuals from 14 companies, was celebrated for its work engaging young people. Schools’ outreach continues to inspire students and develop the workforce the industry needs.
The College Bursary Programme, now in its third cohort, provides students with financial support and insight into civil engineering careers. The North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT) Groundworker Bootcamps, developed with colleges, social housing providers, employers, TVCA, NECA and CECA, allow employers to recruit or upskill staff. A pilot with Hartlepool College, TVCA and Seymour Skills Academy is underway, with plans for expansion in 2026.
Careers in Civil Engineering videos were also launched, showcasing opportunities across trades, professional roles and non-construction careers, including a video highlighting women in civil engineering.
Recognising Outstanding Achievement
A highlight of the evening was Chris Dancer receiving the Lifetime Achievement/Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising his remarkable career and impact on North East civil engineering.
Other award winners included:
- Trainee Quantity Surveyor of the Year: Thomas Shanley, Wyn Construction
- Trainee Civil Engineer of the Year: Ryan Jefferson, Rainton Construction
- Apprentice of the Year: Jordan Alderson, JN Bentley
- Social Value Initiative: (Winner) Rainton Construction (Highly Commended): North East Site Services – Supporting the Treehouse Early Years Centre)
- Health and Safety Initiative: (Winner) Rainton Construction (Highly Commended): Esh Construction
- Training Initiative: Wyn Construction
- Environmental Initiative: (Winner) Esh Construction (Highly Commended): Hewitson Limited)
- Subcontractor of the Year: BridgeCare – The A1 Birley to Coal House Improvements
- Project of the Year (<£1m): Rainton Construction – Locomotion Car Park
- Project of the Year (£1–5m): (Winner) Balfour Beatty – HOW03 Hartlepool Artificial Nesting Structure (Highly Commended): Concrete Repairs Ltd – A19 Tees Viaduct Refurbishment Phase 2)
- Project of the Year (>£5m): (Winner)Rainton Construction – SeAH Wind Monopile Facility
- Special Recognition Award: STRABAG UK – Woodsmith Project
Rainton Construction won five awards, reflecting consistent excellence across projects and initiatives.
Supporting the Community
The awards supported regional charity Heel and Toe, raising a record £10,000 through attendee generosity, a Tyne Bridge rivet auction, and £1,500 from the Total Warrior Charity Challenge (£10,000 raised on the night, plus £1500 in June at Total Warrior). It is inspiring to see the sector celebrate success while making a real difference for children and families across the region.
CECA 2026 and Looking Forward
Next year, CECA North East will deliver NEC seminars, a Mock Trial, Skills Group meetings and Health, Safety & Environmental meetings, a ‘Safe Digging’ event and a marketing campaign celebrating 30 years of CECA. These initiatives provide knowledge, networking and practical tools for members and the wider industry.
The North East is on the cusp of unprecedented investment: £2.7 billion in regional transport projects, Northumberland’s AI Growth Zone with up to £30 billion investment, private sector projects in Blyth worth £10 billion and new nuclear reactors in Hartlepool. Transparent project pipelines will allow contractors to invest in people, equipment and technology, helping the industry grow, develop and thrive.