To recognise those who are excelling through training, learning, and professional development, Howard Civil Engineering proudly launched the Building Futures Awards in 2025. This new initiative focuses on individuals who are building their careers and professional credentials within our organisation, becoming highly valued members of our team along the way.
The inaugural awards highlighted five remarkable colleagues whose hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication to growth truly stand out.
Daniel Heffernan – Apprentice of the Year (Winner)
Daniel’s commitment to excellence in his Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying has been nothing short of inspiring. Having already achieved outstanding recognition this year — winning both the Commitment to the College Award and the prestigious Principal’s Award at the Leeds College of Building BIG (Building Industry Greats) Awards — Daniel continues to set the benchmark for professionalism and dedication.
Since joining Howard in 2019 and progressing from a Level 4 qualification to his current degree-level studies, Daniel has embodied the company’s values of growth, integrity, and excellence. His willingness to support fellow apprentices, coupled with his drive to continually learn and improve, makes him a truly deserving winner of Apprentice of the Year.
Mikey Cosgrove – Apprentice of the Year (Highly Commended)
Mikey joined us as an Apprentice Engineer and has shown exceptional enthusiasm, technical skill, and a proactive approach to learning throughout his apprenticeship. His hands-on attitude and growing engineering expertise have made him a vital member of the team and an outstanding example of dedication in action.
Earlier this year, Mikey demonstrated his capabilities in managing the countdown to completion of a project at Leeds Bradford Airport. His excellent work ethic, attention to detail, and effective use of Field View allowed us to achieve a defect-free handover of the terminal building and external yard slabs.
Mikey has completed his Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician course and is looking ahead to a bright future with Howard Civil Engineering.
Lucas Lee – Rising Star (Winner)
Lucas has demonstrated impressive progress in his career development after joining us as a Topman, assisting our operatives carrying out earthworks. He has since transitioned to Pipelayer, proving to be equally capable and reliable in his current role. His consistent performance, reliability, and determination on site reflect his commitment to growth and continuous improvement.
Alex Fowler – Rising Star (Highly Commended)
Alex has followed the same pathway as Lucas, starting out as a Topman before moving to Pipelayer. In both roles, he has demonstrated a very strong work ethic and a commitment to personal and professional advancement. His rapid progress and willingness to take on new challenges are a credit to both himself and his team.
Hayley Ashton – Student of the Year
Joining Howard Civil Engineering in August 2024 as a Pre-Construction Apprentice, Hayley has made an excellent start to her career. Currently studying for her Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician qualification at Leeds College of Building, Hayley has embraced the opportunity to combine academic study with practical industry experience. She brings enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and curiosity to the pre-construction team. Hayley is an exceptionally talented individual with enormous potential, and we’re excited to support her continued growth and long-term progression in the years ahead.
Michael Howard, Managing Director at Howard Civil Engineering, presented our five award winners with a trophy and certificate in recognition of their success. Commenting on the awards, Michael said:
“Our five Building Futures Award winners have achieved outstanding progress early in their careers. We’re proud to shine a light on their passion, skill, determination, and ambition. It was extremely difficult to narrow down our contenders to five winners – I’m pleased to say we have so many colleagues excelling across all areas of our business. Congratulations and thank you to our winners, but also a big thank you to all our other fantastic colleagues who have played such a huge part in the company’s success.”
Our Building Futures Award winners are an inspiration to anyone considering a career in construction. Their success demonstrates the value of providing a strong foundation for the next generation of construction professionals.
On Wednesday 22nd October, our teams came together for two fundraising events in aid of Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s largest breast cancer charity.
Our efforts coincided with Breast Cancer Now’s Wear It Pink Day, one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK. Each October, thousands of people across workplaces, schools, and communities wear pink to raise vital funds for breast cancer research and support. By hosting our events, we were proud to play our part in helping make life-changing breast cancer research and support happen.
The first of the day’s two events was a HCE v Wates Group 5-a-side Football Match. The two companies are used to being on the same team in the delivery of projects, but on this occasion, we were pitted against each other in a competitive but good-natured game at Joseph Norton Academy, Huddersfield. The HCE players sported pink “Stand Up to Cancer” hi-vis vests, showing that even in competition, we stand united for a cause that touches so many lives.
The second charity event was a Sponsored ‘Library to Library’ Walk which took place further north. HCE staff joined other volunteers for two-hour sponsored walk from the British Library to the Boston Spa Library. The fundraising team wore plenty of pink and carried donation buckets to collect contributions throughout the journey. Every step helped to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now, supporting vital research and providing hope for those affected by breast cancer.
Refreshments were provided after both events, providing a well-earned break for everyone involved and an opportunity to reflect on the collective effort made to support such an important cause.
HCE are continuing our fundraising during Breast Cancer Awareness Month – if you’d like to support this vital cause, please donate via our Just Giving page below!
Daniel, who is currently completing his Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying, impressed everyone on the night by not only winning the Commitment to the College Award, but also receiving the highly coveted Principal’s Award – a title reserved for one outstanding apprentice amongst more than 40 award winners.
This is an incredible recognition of Daniel’s hard work and determination since joining Howard Civil Engineering and beginning his journey at LCB in 2019, where he started with a Level 4 qualification in Quantity Surveying before progressing onto higher-level study.
When asked why Daniel had been nominated for the Commitment to the College Award, LCB praised his willingness to go above and beyond:
“Daniel has volunteered his time to come into college lessons and share his fantastic work experience with other QS Apprentices. He has quietly impressed his lecturers with his dedication, insight, and kindness. His behind-the-scenes efforts and humble attitude have made a lasting impact, proving he is truly awesome and deserving of recognition.”
Daniel himself was surprised by the double success, reflecting on his time at LCB:
“LCB has given me confidence in terms of reinforcing what you do at work, but also filling gaps in where the work can’t expose you to certain things. Studying here, you get an appreciation of the industry as a whole.”
Reflecting on the evening, LCB CEO and Principal Nikki Davis, said:
“This really has been a fantastic year for LCB. Our T Level students received exceptional grades, and we’ve been named one of the first ever Construction Technical Excellence Colleges. The BIG Awards are perfectly timed to celebrate all our excellent students and staff, and tomorrow we’re all back in college for the new academic year which we hope is even bigger and better than the last.”
A strong partnership with Leeds College of Building
Howard Civil Engineering has a longstanding partnership with Leeds College of Building, regularly supporting apprentices through their studies and into professional careers. We believe apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways of bringing fresh talent into the industry, combining hands-on learning with academic development.
Daniel’s success is a shining example of how this partnership helps create well-rounded professionals who not only thrive within their workplace but also give back to their peers and the wider industry.
Investing in the future
Ewan Mason, Recruitment Manager at Howard Civil Engineering, said:
“Daniel is one of eleven exceptionally talented apprentices currently developing a career pathway with Howard Civil Engineering. Our commitment to apprenticeships is about building futures, supporting personal growth, and equipping the next generation with the skills they need to succeed in the ever-evolving construction sector. We’re proud to see Daniel recognised on such a prestigious stage and look forward to supporting many more apprentices as they follow in his footsteps.”
Congratulations, Daniel – a truly well-deserved recognition of your talent, hard work, and commitment!
A Fresh Start and a Sense of Belonging
For Rick, joining Foundations for Life meant regaining stability.
“It was a new start in life,” he explained. “From being unemployed to earning a full-time wage – it gives stability for your family. That means a lot.”
Daryl echoed this, emphasising the significance of being trusted with a second chance:
“I never thought I’d be given this chance coming out of prison. But I feel like I’m going somewhere here.”
Pathways Through Training and Support
Both Rick and Daryl joined Howard Civil Engineering through Construction Skills People, an organisation that helps jobseekers secure the qualifications they need, with tickets awarded for each completed training module. Rick was referred via his work coach at the Job Centre, while Daryl was encouraged by his probation officer.
The training boot camp proved to be a critical stepping stone. Rick gained his Gateman ticket, while Daryl secured his Health & Safety certification, CSCS card, dumper and traffic management qualifications.
“If it wasn’t for the course, I wouldn’t be here,” Daryl admitted.
After completing their training, Rick and Daryl quickly found themselves embedded in site life at Howard Civil Engineering, taking up roles at one of our largest projects: the Skelton Infrastructure & Earthworks in Leeds.
Life on Site
The most striking part of their journey has been the warm welcome and camaraderie they have discovered on site.
Rick described the culture as “unreal,” adding:
“Every single person on site is helpful, which is rare. Everyone’s friendly, they have a laugh but, at the end of the day, they’re professional and know exactly what they’re doing. People are there to guide you and show you what needs to be done, but you’re not micromanaged – once you’re on site, you crack on and do your thing. It’s all very professional and well organised.”
Daryl, who has thrived both physically and socially since joining, agreed:
“It’s the best site I’ve ever been on. Everyone is here to help. Being here has done me good. It’s brought me out of my shell and I’ve lost a lot of weight, doing my twenty thousand steps a day. I’ve also started swimming.”
Their efforts have already been recognised, with both receiving positive feedback from colleagues and managers. Their proactivity and desire for progression have been exemplary.
Growth, Inspiration and Future Goals
Being part of a professional, supportive team has given both Rick and Daryl fresh ambitions. Rick has been inspired by the skill and expertise of experienced colleagues:
“I’ve been impressed with how good Howard’s people are at their jobs. There are people driving machines that have been doing it thirty-odd years. They’re really good operators – I’ve seen some moves in these 360 excavators that have been unbelievable! It’s something that you look up to as something you could do yourself. It makes you want to learn from these guys and get the next ticket.”
Both now have their eyes set on building further skills. Rick is aiming for roller, 360 and bulldozer tickets, while Daryl is determined to take it “one ticket at a time” and progress as far as he can within the company.
Words of Advice
Looking back at where they started, both men are keen to encourage others who may be facing similar challenges. Rick’s message is one of perseverance:
“Don’t get disheartened. Stick at it. If you want to change your life, just go for it.”
Daryl, meanwhile, stressed the importance of honesty for prison leavers looking to turn the page to a new chapter:
“Don’t be nervous. Just be honest. I could have told lies in my interview, but I was upfront and it’s worked out.”
Building Futures for All
Foundations for Life has provided a welcome opportunity for Rick and Daryl, but the programme has also benefited Howard Civil Engineering as an employer, recruiting two outstanding individuals with a passion for the industry and a dedication to our mission of quality-led delivery.
Ewan Mason, Recruitment Manager at Howard Civil Engineering, was full of praise for their efforts and the value of Foundations for Life in supporting the construction workforce. Ewan said:
“Rick and Daryl are shining examples of what can be achieved when an employer believes in and invests in people who have been through challenging times but have a hunger to change things for the better. Connecting them with training programmes like Construction Skills People provides the foothold that they need to establish a career in construction. The industry is facing its own challenges with significant skills shortages, but programmes like Foundations for Life enable employers to nurture talent and realise potential which would otherwise remain untapped. Howard Civil Engineering are very grateful to have Rick and Daryl in our site teams and we are very excited to see their continued progression in the coming years.”
A School Playground in Need of Attention
For many children, the playground is the heart of their school day – a space to socialise, play, and let their imaginations run free. However, at Melbourne Primary School the main access route to the playground had become a hazard. Large tree roots had lifted the paving, creating uneven surfaces that risked trips and falls. Beyond the obvious safety concerns, the area had also become difficult to maintain and unattractive, reducing the quality of this vital space for pupils.
The school asked for support to address the issue, and our team was more than willing to step in. With the combined efforts of Howard Civil Engineering and Wates Group, we were able to deliver the improvements as part of our ongoing commitment to social value.
The Work We Carried Out
Over the course of four days, a dedicated team of six operatives from Howard Civil Engineering contributed their time, skills, and energy to transform the playground access. Together, they volunteered more than 100 hours, equating to approximately £2,900 in labour, materials, and equipment. Wates Group also made a substantial contribution with the supply of a range of materials required for the work.
The scope of work included the lifting the existing paving and removing tree roots to eliminate the cause of the uneven ground and resetting of ground levels to ensure the new surface would be both safe and durable. We also installed new flags with a block paving border – giving the area a clean, professional finish – and cut back and re-laid tarmac where needed, improving the overall appearance and usability of the playground. Finally, we replaced the old, uneven dish channels with new drainage channels to prevent standing water and reduce maintenance needs.
This combination of improvements has not only created a safer and more accessible environment for pupils and staff but also ensures that the school can enjoy a long-lasting solution.
Recognising Our Team
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Howard Civil Engineering operatives who gave their time and expertise to this project:
- Andrew Docherty (Foreman)
- Calumn Wright (Supervisor/Machine Operator)
- Luke Docherty (Groundworker)
- Damian Mclean (Groundworker/Machine Operator)
- Josh Jordan (Groundworker)
- Steve Culey (Site Manager)
Their hard work, teamwork, and dedication are a credit to the company and demonstrate how construction skills can be used to benefit the wider community.
Appreciation from the School
The positive feedback from Melbourne Primary School highlighted just how meaningful these improvements are:
“On behalf of the Trust and the School, I just want to say a huge thank you for the recent work carried out at Melbourne Primary School. Please pass on my thanks to the team who carried out the work, they have done an amazing job! The work carried out is beyond our expectations and has created a safe and usable space for our pupils.”
Hearing words like these reinforces the importance of our social value programme and reminds us that even small projects can have a big impact on the lives of others.
Building Social Value Together
This project is another example of how collaboration can deliver real benefits for local communities. By working alongside Wates Group, we were able to combine resources and expertise to make a meaningful difference for Melbourne Primary School and its pupils.
Howard Civil Engineering are committed to continuing this work, ensuring that we leave a lasting, positive legacy wherever we operate. Whether it’s through essential infrastructure projects or community-focused initiatives like this one, we are proud to support the growth, safety, and wellbeing of the people around us.
Foundations for Life provides tailored training and development, on-site mentorship and ongoing pastoral support to enable structured career development for disadvantaged individuals. Using a support network of specialist partners, we have established several impactful schemes including ROTL (Release on Temporary License) and Prison Leaver Programmes, Support for Hidden Homeless and Vulnerably Housed Individuals, Addiction Rehabilitation Pathways and Ex-Forces Employment for people struggling to find a new career direction after leaving the military.
Michael Howard, Managing Director at Howard Civil Engineering, said:
“We believe that employment can be the cornerstone of stability and dignity for people looking to rebuild their lives. By welcoming disadvantaged individuals into our workforce, we not only change lives but also enrich our own organisation with talented and committed people. Programmes like Foundations for Life benefit businesses and the wider community by promoting inclusivity, addressing skills shortages, and contributing to a more equitable society. One of our key partners of the Howarth Foundation, a charity committed to securing meaningful employment and housing for individuals who have experienced homelessness. The Howarth Foundation has played a big part in the success of our programme to date, connecting us with individuals and supporting our mentoring process.”
Foundations for Life is now established as part of Howard Civil Engineering’s recruitment policy and wider commitment to social responsibility. The programme has become a proven blueprint for rehabilitation, having successfully supported the professional development and long-term career progression of people from a range of challenging backgrounds.
Ewan Mason, Recruitment Manager, said:
“In the last financial year, we provided employment for 11 disadvantaged individuals. This included six from HMP Hatfield joining our ROTL programme, two recruited via the Howarth Foundation, two T Levels and one ex-forces.”
While the statistics are encouraging, they only tell a fraction of the success story. The substance lies in the experiences and words of our Foundations for Life employees who embraced a second chance in life and grasped the opportunity with both hands.
Few examples illustrate the positive impact of Foundations for Life better than Kiel Tetley. Kiel joined Howard Civil Engineering via the ROTL programme and was placed in a Site Operative role on one of our major projects at Full Sutton. With the guidance of Senior Project Manager, Steve Dakin, Kiel rapidly distinguished himself through his attitude, work ethic, and commitment to learning.
Steve said:
“Kiel has become a valued member of the team. He has gained experience in all aspects of our current work fronts including drainage, slab preparation, waterproofing and ducting. He has shown a great attitude toward learning and his own personal development, resulting in us funding his banksman training course. Kiel has now also been tasked with controlling all site materials and plant deliveries to the ancillary buildings, a task that he completes to an excellent standard, communicating well with both the delivery drivers and our site team.”
Kiel has spoken highly of his experience. He says that his second chance with Howard Civil Engineering has improved his mental health and confidence, helped him to upskill and allowed him to enjoy family life. He recommends others from similar backgrounds to “jump at the chance” to participate in the programme. We couldn’t be happier to hear feedback like that.
Adam Wilson – who joined us from HMP Hatfield via the ROTL programme and brought prior experience in construction – has thrived in his role as Site Manager.
Reflecting on the ROTL programme and its personal impact, Adam shared how much he valued the opportunity to re-enter the industry, begin saving money, and re-establish the routines and responsibilities of everyday life, both at home and at work. He praised the friendly, helpful, and accommodating nature of our workforce, which has strengthened his resolve to relocate and continue working with us following his upcoming release from prison.
Adam also spoke about the peace of mind that comes from knowing he will leave prison with secure employment and the financial stability that brings.
A passionate advocate for the ROTL programme, Adam believes it “gives you the chance to feel like a normal person, and the potential to go back to what you were doing before, or learn a completely new skill.”
When asked about the future, Adam expressed a clear ambition to progress into a Contracts or Project Manager role and to remain with Howard Civil Engineering for the long term. For him, the most important factor is feeling like he’s at the right company – and for Adam, that company is us.
Outside of work, Adam volunteers in schools, where he educates young people about the realities of prison life and encourages them to be the best version of themselves. He is now a committed ambassador for the construction industry and a valued member of our team. We look forward to supporting Adam in his continued development.
Steve Dakin said: “The ROTL programme has quickly become an invaluable resource avenue for us. Adam joined us with a wealth of experience, and has quickly become an integral part of the team. Our ROTL colleagues have demonstrated an excellent work ethic and a real determination to learn and improve their skills. As a result, we have been able to offer full-time employment and further training to operatives on their release, with more planned for the future.” The success of Foundation for Life has strengthened our belief in the lasting, positive difference Howard Civil Engineering can make within the communities we serve. The construction industry not only has the power to build our homes, schools, offices, hospitals and infrastructure – it also has the potential to build a better future for those who need it most.
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