UHI Inverness graduate receives best civil engineering student award

Ewan Gordon (24) has had plenty to celebrate since completing six years of studies at UHI Inverness. As well as graduating with first-class BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, Ewan from Helmsdale received the Institution of Civil Engineers  (ICE) Certificate of Merit for best performing graduate at Friday’s ceremony.

He has also recently been appointed as a Graduate Engineer within the Project Design Unit of The Highland Council with ambitions to climb the career ladder, become an Incorporated Engineer with ICE and gain NEC Project Managers Accreditation.

“I am delighted to be awarded the ICE Student Prize,” said Ewan. “To receive this recognition so early in my career gives me a great deal of pride and confidence. Receiving the award on top of gaining a first class BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering really makes the long days and nights studying worthwhile. It is a great honour to receive the ICE award, and I am very much excited for what the future holds as a civil engineer.”

Ewan started as a Trainee Technician with the council’s Roads and Transport Department in October 2017 and began studying a National Certificate in Civil Engineering at UHI Inverness in November 2018. He progressed onto HNC Civil Engineering and joined the Graduate Apprenticeship programme in 2021. In September 2022 he became a member of the council’s Contract Administration, Law and Site Supervision team.

This is not the first time his dedication to his studies has been recognised. After he completed his NC, he was presented with the Student of the Year for Building Technology and Civil Engineering (Further Education).

“I was delighted to receive this award in my first year at UHI Inverness,” said Ewan. “It gave me confidence in my abilities and gave me encouragement to continue studying. What I enjoyed the most about attending UH Inverness was meeting fellow students from different sectors within the civil engineering industry, from designers, contractors and clients, giving me an appreciation of different roles in each sector. One of the biggest highlights for me is going from National Certificate level right up to BEng (Hons) level. On top of this, finishing my time at UHI Inverness by receiving the ICE Student of the Year prize has given me great pride and a real sense of satisfaction that all the hours studying has really been worthwhile.”

Ewan found the flexibility of hybrid teaching very beneficial, the lessons engaging, the lecturers supportive and the quality of teaching excellent.

He said: “I would recommend anyone considering a Graduate Apprenticeship and subsequent study at UHI Inverness to go for it! My time here has opened opportunities for me – it has given me the academic qualifications required to be appointed as a Graduate Engineer.”

His lecturer John McLachlan said: “Ewan has performed consistently well, averaging 80% or above across modules in the three years forming his degree. Throughout his time as a student, he has demonstrated a strong commitment and ability to manage his studies with a busy employment work schedule.”