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50th STUDENT PASSES ICE PROFESSIONAL REVIEW

An award winning Engineering Apprentice from Scarborough has become the 50th student at Leeds College of Building to pass the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Technician Professional Review.

Rebecca Munro, who is a Junior Technician Permanent Way Engineer at Mott MacDonald York, had to undergo a vigorous assessment process to become a Technician Member of the ICE. She was interviewed by two qualified Civil Engineers and discussed how she overcame problems associated with rail track design and alignment.

Rebecca says: “Having undertaken a year of A-Levels, I had always planned on going to University, but soon realised that an Apprenticeship would be a better option for me. The rail sector really interested me, and I was keen to work and learn at the same time, so I decided to leave school. I got an Advanced Technical Apprenticeship with Mott MacDonald and started studying at Leeds College of Building.

“I achieved the highest grade possible in my BTEC Level 3 Diploma, and completed my NVQ a year early! I have now progressed onto the Higher Level Apprenticeship. I have been lucky enough to work on some really exciting projects like Waterloo Station in London, and have progressed within the design team at Mott MacDonald. Passing the ICE’s Professional Review and becoming a Technician Member of this prestigious organisation, really is the icing on the cake for me.”

Last month Rebecca won the ‘Best Apprentice under 25’, at the Women in Construction Awards. This ceremony showcases the brightest and the best female achievers in construction. Alan Cudlipp, Technical Director and Professional Head of Rail Track Engineering at Mott MacDonald, says: “I nominated Rebecca for the Best Apprentice award because of her hard work and enthusiasm and her win was undoubtedly well-deserved.”

Becky has also been shortlisted for the National BTEC Awards – Apprentice of the Year, which recognises students for their achievements in skills-based learning. The winners will be unveiled at their official ceremony in July.

Vicky Patterson, who is a lecturer at Leeds College of Building says: “Rebecca is our 50th student to pass her EngTech qualification. This is a globally recognised accreditation from the ICE, which demonstrates to employers the high level of skills and experience achieved. Rebecca has proved herself to be a talented and dedicated Apprentice, and she has worked extremely hard. Her recent success at the various award ceremonies is also a huge achievement. We are very proud of Rebecca. She is one to watch and is definitely a rising star of the future”

Rebecca adds: “I can highly recommend the Apprenticeship route. I have received a lot of support and encouragement from the lecturers at Leeds College of Building and my mentors at work, and am gaining an invaluable insight into the world of rail track engineering. I can’t wait to continue building on my engineering career.”

Leeds College of Building provides a range of part time and full time engineering related courses including BTEC levels 3, 4 and 5, Apprenticeships, Higher Apprenticeships, HNCs and Diplomas. For more information about the College and its courses visit www.lcb.ac.uk or call 0113 222 6000.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Mortimer .