AN AMMANFORD man has been named the south west’s Most Promising Trainee Civil Engineer by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA).

Dewi Liiv, from Blaenau, received the accolade for his achievements as a trainee engineer with contractor Alun Griffiths in Bristol and with 20,000 jobs opening up in the civil engineering sector across the south west over the next five years, many more young people are expected to follow his lead.

The CECA South West Training Awards are presented annually to trainee civil engineers, apprentices and lifetime achievers in recognition of exceptional performance and dedication.

Dewi won his award for his hard work, commitment and willingness to learn which he displayed on a number of projects including playing an increasingly important role in the £26m South Bristol link road.

He will shortly begin work on a new multi-storey car park at Bristol Airport.

Dewi said: “I became interested in civil engineering while working as a labourer and studying for an HND at university.

“This led me to applying for a trainee engineer role with Alun Griffiths.

“They supported me in topping up my existing qualification to a BSc Civil Engineering degree and now I’m looking forward to using and extending my skills on a growing range of projects.”

Jon Benton, chairman of CECA South West, congratulated Dewi on his accomplishment and added that he hoped more young people would carefully consider the exciting career prospects available in civil engineering.

“Infrastructure construction in the south west is growing faster than any other region of England - led by the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station – and, as a result, around 20,000 new jobs will be created over the next five years,” said Jon.

“This opens up lots of different career opportunities for young people, and it’s vital for the health of our regional economy that we excite school leavers and graduates about their prospects in our sector and the rewards on offer.”

Former Ysgol Tregib pupil Dewi received a certificate and cheque for £500 at the Awards Lunch at The Grand Hotel, Torquay.