Awards success for Wrexham Built Environment graduates

Date: Thursday, November 30, 2023

Three Built Environment graduates, who studied at Wrexham University, have been rewarded for their academic achievements, while holding down successful roles in their chosen professions.

Bleddyn Williams, Anthony Caffrey and Tom Miller all received prizes at a special ceremony held at the University, where industry partners came together with the graduates and staff from the institution to celebrate the strong industry links forged.

Representatives from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) attended the celebratory event to hear about the graduate’s achievements and to present the awards. 

Each of the award recipients received the highest overall marks in their combined modules, which they studied during their degree programme.

Civil Engineering Studies graduate, Bleddyn, from Llanrug, was presented with the ICE Wales Cymru Undergraduate Award, specifically for meeting the work-based learning elements of his course, recognising his engagement in his current role as Assistant Engineer at Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd Consultancy (YGC).

He said: “I’m delighted to have won the ICE Undergraduate Award – it feels fantastic that the hard work has paid off. The course has given me a really good grounding about the disciplines of Civil Engineering.

“It was also brilliant to be able to evidence some of my work based learning outcomes  with an emphasis on  Welsh culture and language – that was really beneficial to me as a Welsh speaker, who works in an environment where the majority of my colleagues speak Welsh.”

Anthony, a Construction Management graduate, from Connah’s Quay, who achieved a first in his degree, received the CIOB Certificate of Excellence award. He studied for the course, alongside his role as a Contracts Surveyor for Flintshire County Council.

Speaking after receiving the award, he said: “I feel over the moon to have been recognised in this way. For me, it’s been great to have the opportunity to study while working, and some of my modules directly linked to my job, which I found beneficial. It feels good to have that enhanced knowledge, which I feel backs up what I do at work.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank both the University and my employer, Flintshire County Council for the limitless support I’ve had, while studying, alongside my job.”

Tom Miller, was the recipient of the CIAT Outstanding Graduating Student Award. An Architectural Design Technology graduate from Wrexham, he works for Anwyl Homes as an Architectural Technician.

He said: “I feel really pleased to have been presented with this award. It feels good to have that increased knowledge of the industry, thanks to what I’ve learnt while studying at the University.”

Gareth Carr, Programme Leader in Construction Management and Architectural Design Technology at Wrexham University, said: “Huge congratulations to Bleddyn, Anthony and Tom for receiving the three student awards, in recognition of their hard work and consistent effort. Working full-time and studying at the same time is no mean feat but all three have done tremendously well to have excelled in their studies and to have been such good ambassadors for their respective employers.

“At Wrexham University, we pride ourselves on not only our levels of student satisfaction but also on strong links with our industry partners. It was fantastic to welcome representatives from the ICE, CIOB and CIAT to present the awards in person, and the University would like to thank all three professional bodies for their continued support of our undergraduate students.”

Rhys Jones, Service Manager – Technical at YGC, who mentored Bleddyn, added: “Congratulations to Bleddyn – and also, Anthony and Tom. It’s fantastic that we have such strong working links with one of our local universities.

“It’s a win-win for all involved – Bleddyn was able to tap into my knowledge and we as a company gain from Bleddyn’s skills and learning. While, for the University it’s continuing to forge those positive, local partnerships.”