The work of a North East student to bring young people into the construction industry has led to her being recognised nationally.
Amy Holmes, 21, from Houghton-le-Spring, who is in the final year of her BA (Hons) Events Management degree at the University of Sunderland spent a year on placement at CENE (Constructing Excellence in the North East).
Colleagues were so impressed with her enthusiasm and original ideas that she brought to her placement they highlighted this to the University who then nominated her for the 2019 National Undergraduate Employability (NUE) Awards.
Amy was a finalist in the category Best Student Contribution to a Small to Medium-Sized Employer for her work with CENE, which saw her implement new initiatives, and raise the profile of young people working in construction in the region.
Amy says: “I can really see the value of my placement. I now have real and practical experience of planning, organising and hosting events, which is key to my future career plans.”
In the 15 months Amy was with CENE she organised seminars, site visits, networking events and supported with the award dinners.
As well as streamlining the events process and using social media to promote regional events, Amy, alongside BA (Hons) Broadcast Media Production graduate Gary Aggett, who now works as videographer for Dance City, created a promotional video showcasing careers for young people in construction – you can view the video here.
Amy added: “I now have real and practical experience of planning, organising and hosting events which is a key skill in my future career plans.”
Catriona Lingwood, Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence North East, says: “Amy has supported the transformation in the way we work, bringing in new ideas on how to run an office more efficiently using a shared filing system.
“Amy is a joy to work with and we wish her the very best, and know she will do herself proud.”