WARRINGTON Collegiate student Darren Cheetham has been selected for the prestigious cadet programme with Laing O’Rourke.
Darren, 23 from Birchwood, studies Construction and the Built Environment at the college, and will now apply to university to study for a B.Eng in Civil Engineering, whilst being employed as a Civil Engineer.
He said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic, this is an amazing opportunity with such a fantastic company. There were several hundred applicants for the cadet programme but only a few of us were awarded a place. It was a rigorous selection process but I really enjoyed the challenge.”
Since applying four months ago Darren underwent several stages from submitting his CV for the managers review to a telephone interview, online assessment and the final assessment involving a nerve-wracking presentation at the regional Headquarters in Manchester.
Darren added: “I was nervous and excited at every stage. I got some wonderful feedback from the Principal Engineer after the telephone interview that really boosted my confidence. He said that my CV stood out from the others both by the content and the way it was constructed.”
Darren was recently awarded Outstanding Student of the Year for Construction and the Built Environment at the college’s FE Awards Ceremony.
Rachel Tonks, Cadet Programme and Education Networks Manager at Laing O’Rourke, said: “We are delighted that Darren will be joining us in September to train as a Civil Engineer as part of our cadet programme. The cadet programme is a five-year programme that combines academic learning with on-the-job training. Cadets are sponsored to complete an accredited day-release engineering degree while working as a Laing O’Rourke employee.
“The programme also includes series of in-house modules, aimed at exposing the cadets to the latest developments in construction and engineering. Cadets are mentored through the programme by experienced employees, who will support their personal and professional growth using career planning toolkits and tailored development plans.”
Darren building a great future
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
