With two students reaching the final, out of over 5,000 entrants, Swansea University has shown that it can produce academically gifted students with the personal skills that recruiters want.   

Ollie Brooks, a second year Swansea University Civil Engineering student, won the Construction Engineering and Design of the Year Award, sponsored by Laing O’Rourke and his prize is a ten week placement in Australia in the summer with Laing O’Rourke. 

There were 254 entrants in total in his award who went through a series of online tests, application forms, interviews and assessment exercises. Ollie emerged as the winner from a very strong field. Sponsors only target a relatively small number of universities and he beat off competition from other excellent students from other excellent universities.

Speaking about the award Ollie said: “ I was astounded when my name was called out as one of the winners. Particularly as there was such a strong field of competitors. I am really looking forward to my placement which will help me in pursuing a career in engineering. I would encourage other students to put themselves forward next year.” 

Alexei Nicholas, a second year Swansea University Mechanical Engineering student, was shortlisted for the Engineering Undergraduate of the Year Award, sponsored by E.ON. Sadly he didn’t win but he did really well to make it to the final ten. Commenting about the competition Alexei said: “ Overall it was a great experience and will be an amazing attribute for my CV and I think the University should definitely encourage all students to apply for the awards in their respective subject areas.”      

Ollie and Alexei, along with the other nine undergraduates in their award category, were invited to the final in Canary Wharf where the winners were announced. Twelve awards were presented on the day by Michael Portillo and each award was sponsored by a top graduate recruiter: Deloitte, Barclays, Mars, Ernst & Young, Morgan Stanley, Laing O’Rourke, E.ON. EDF Energy, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, BT and Mayer Brown.

Photo captions

Picture 1: Ollie Brooks receiving his Construction Engineering and Design Undergraduate Award from Michael Portillo and Colin Banks, Laing O’Rourke’s Engineering Director.

Picture 2: Alexei Nicholas finalist in the Engineering Undergraduate of the Year Award category.