Summer placements boost project work
A select group of undergraduates and school children are gaining valuable work experience on the Mersey Gateway project this summer.
Six undergraduates from a variety of universities will be working on the Mersey Gateway Project site this summer after being selected by Kier, one of the Merseylink project’s main construction partners.
Melissa Day, HR Advisor at Merseylink, said the students would be working across a variety of project sites, doing a number of different roles.
“Although all of the students are engineering undergraduates they will be working in a variety of job roles.
“We want to support young talent. We need a lot more engineers in the industry, so by giving these students the opportunity to work on the Mersey Gateway project we will be providing them with vital skills and experience,” she said.
“Once they have completed their courses they will have the opportunity to apply for our graduate engineer programme.”
Peter Stoba, 22, from Anfield, is a civil engineering student at Liverpool John Moores University. He recently started his second summer work experience placement on the Mersey Gateway Project.
Civil engineering student Peter Stoba on placement at the south approach viaduct in Runcorn
“The work on the Mersey Gateway bridge complements my degree really well, and is giving me a good practical insight into the theory I’m learning at university,” he said.
“I’m working in a site engineer role and am supporting the team on a variety of tasks including risk assessment and control of permits. Once I finish my course next year I will definitely be applying to join the graduate programme.”
The undergraduates join 12 Year 10 students from Halton schools who are already on work experience on the Mersey Gateway project.
School students enjoying their work experience at the Mersey Gateway Project. L to R: Alex Roberts (Weaverham HS), Jack Lee (Wade Deacon HS), Joseph McDonnell (going to Newcastle University), Samuel Hayes (Wade Deacon HS), Luke McGuire (Wade Deacon HS), Adam Marsden (Wade Deacon HS)
The students are from schools across Runcorn and Widnes including Sandymoor Free School, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College, Wade Deacon High School, The Heath School and Weaverham High School.
The students are learning about the civil engineering techniques used for the main bridge and road construction, as well as materials, communications and the environmental side of the project.
Neil Wilcock, Employment and Skills Coordinator for Merseylink, said: “We’re delighted to host these placements, which offer a real insight into the science and engineering behind Halton’s new bridge.
“I’d like to think that these young people will be inspired by their time with us and that their experience may help them decide on their future career paths.”