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Engineer becomes first Jones Bros trainee to achieve industry accreditation26th Jan 2015
Jones Bros site engineer Rhys Roberts has become the company’s first former trainee to rise through the ranks and achieve a significant industry accreditation.
Rhys, 24, has completed his registration as an engineering technician (EngTech) with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), having progressed significantly since joining Jones Bros as a trainee in 2007.
The EngTech is the first of three levels of registration available to practising civil engineers with the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for professional engineers in the UK.
Since joining Jones Bros, Rhys has built up significant experience while working on a number of renewable energy projects in Scotland, including the 60-turbine Crystal Rig II development.
Rhys has spent much of the last year on site at Vattenfall’s 76-turbine Pen y Cymoedd Wind Energy Project, the UK’s largest onshore wind farm, as part of a joint venture contract for civil and electrical work with Balfour Beatty.
Having now completed the nine-month registration process Rhys, a former runner up in the Most Promising Trainee Civil Engineer category in the prestigious Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Wales awards, has his sights set on completing the next level of registration.
He said: “I’m really pleased to have been awarded the registration, and grateful to Jones Bros for giving me the opportunity to complete it.
“I actually enjoyed completing the registration. It was mostly report based, which I’ve done plenty of before, and means I’m now a member of the ICE, which really means a lot.
“The registration included writing a report on a project I’ve worked on, which I put together on the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Energy Project, where I’m currently working.
“I also had to talk about the experience I’ve gained on site, which includes the design and assessment of site tracks, assisting with controlling plant on site, and carrying out out health and safety and cost control assessments.”
“Hopefully I’ll be able to go on and complete the next level with the ICE.”
Rhys is a graduate of Jones Bros’ successful trainee and apprenticeship programme. The training department won both the Outstanding Training Partner Gold Award at the 2014 CITB Pride of Construction Awards, and the Large Apprentice Employer of the Year, Wales award at the CITB National Apprenticeship Awards.
Rhys’ registration was sponsored by Jones Bros’ regional manager Neil Beresford and Rod McClelland, both of which supported him throughout the registration process.
Rod said: “Rhys is a very capable and talented engineer with a great attitude, and fully deserves this recognition from the ICE.
“The process is about recognising his success and development, and I’m sure we’ll see him progress on to even higher levels now.”
Founded in the 1950s, Jones Bros employs approximately 300 people. It operates across the UK in sectors including construction of waste management facilities, highways and renewable energy projects such as wind farms.