Graduates in Built Environment, who studied for their degrees at Wrexham University, have been awarded for their hard work and determination – as well as celebrated for the important impact of their work.
Juliet Keenan, Kelly Glover and Ynyr Parri all were presented with awards at a special prize giving ceremony held at the University, where industry partners came together with the graduates and staff to celebrate the trio’s successes.
Colleagues from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) attended the event to present the awards, as well as celebrate the strong links between the University and professional bodies.
Juliet, an Architectural Design Technology graduate who has gone onto set up her own company in renovating houses to ensure that they meet the required legal, functional and environmental considerations, said her degree has been “invaluable” for her.
She was presented with the CIAT ‘Outstanding Graduating Student Award' by Ryan Davies, Chair of the CIAT Wales AspirATion Group.
Speaking after receiving the award, she said:
“The degree has provided me with a fantastic grounding and that important technical knowledge, that is essential for me as an Architectural Technologist in managing all stages of the technical design and planning process of building projects.
“I feel incredibly proud to be working in an industry that makes a real difference in society. Without roles such as mine and other Built Environment skills, people wouldn’t have homes to live in, there would be no hospitals or healthcare related buildings.
“At a time when there’s a concerning gap of industry skills and knowledge, it’s crucial that we do all we can to promote these degree courses and our industry.”
Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship graduate, Kelly, who works as a Highways Inspector for the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), received the ICE 'Student Award 2024′, and was presented the award by Andrew Basford, Chair of the North Wales ICE.
On receiving the award, she said:
“I’m delighted to have received the ICE Student Award and feel proud of myself that I’ve achieved my degree, especially while juggling work and home life.
“I certainly couldn’t have done it without the support of my work colleagues, as well as the support from my lecturers.”
Ynyr, a Construction Management Degree Apprenticeship graduate, who works as a Lead Asset Officer at ClwydAlyn Housing, was awarded the CIOB ‘Certificate of Excellence 2024', presented by Martin Chambers, past President of the CIOB and Wrexham University Governor.
He said:
“These past few years have been a complete rollercoaster for me – I started the degree but then sadly lost my father, and by the end of the course, I’d become a father to my two children.
“So, there’s been some good times but also some extremely hard times, so it’s definitely been a juggling act – and I feel proud that I’ve managed to complete my degree during this time, and now to have won this award has been the icing on the cake.
“What I’ve learnt throughout my studies has absolutely put me in good stead in my day job – I think working in housing and having the knowledge that I have in construction is definitely a good combination professionally.”
Gareth Carr, Programme Leader in Construction Management and Architectural Design Technology at Wrexham University, added:
“Speaking on behalf of myself and Built Environment colleagues at the University, it is our great pleasure that Kelly, Ynyr and Juliet have been awarded in recognition of their enormous hard work, time and efforts.
“They have all individually balanced their studies with us, while being employed in the industry and juggling their home and family life. A huge congratulations to the three of them, they have truly earnt their degrees.
“It’s important to say that having students go onto graduate from Built Environment courses are hugely important in helping our society bridge a crucial skills gap. Their work and skills are vital – they are key to ensuring growth and prosperity, and fundamentally, ensuring that innovative projects with these goals can be completed.
“It was also 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. The links we have with industry are an important part of our offering, here at Wrexham.”
