Louise Nicol from Ellon, a trainee construction engineer at Aberdeenshire Council, saw off competition from across the UK to be named trainee of the year at a national awards ceremony last week.

The 22-year old won the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Local Authority Apprentice/Trainee of the Year 2009 for Highways and Street Lighting.

Louise said: "I didn't expect to win, I was pleased and have put in a lot of work into University so the award made it all worth it."

Louise started working at Aberdeenshire Council in July 2007 and is based at the council's Inverurie depot where she carries out bridge maintenance work in Banff, Buchan and Formartine.

The award-winning trainee is responsible for pricing and supervising minor construction works and also provides assistance to engineers on larger construction projects.

When asked how she feels about working in a male-dominated environment like construction she said: "I've never found it a problem being the only female as I get on well with all the guys in the office and out on site."


Alongside the practical work, Louise attends the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen part time and is in year four of a five-year degree course studying a BSc Hons in Construction, Design and Management (civil engineering).

"I get a lot of support from the council and it helps that I can study and do my degree too," said Louise.

Louise is no stranger to award wins as won best student in her year in first and second year and can now add the APSE award to her list of accolades.

Ken Morrison, head of roads at Aberdeenshire Council said: "Louise has always returned a high standard of work.

"She supervises site works within the Construction Section and is well respected by both the frontline operatives and the technical staff she works with."

Louise took top place from five other finalists across the UK and received a cup and certificate at the annual Association for Public Service Excellence awards ceremony on March 12 in Newcastle.

APSE is a local government body that works with more than 300 councils in the UK. Its aim is to promote excellence in public services.

The judging panel were impressed with Louise’s knowledge of bridges and bridge works and also by her attitude to team work.

As the only female in a male environment Louise was keen to point out to the panel that she has had magnificent support from her colleagues and from her employer Aberdeenshire Council.

Louise rejected a university route to civil engineering preferring instead to take part-time study whilst learning on the job.

Paul O'Brien, Chief Executive of APSE who presented Louise with her award said: "Louise is an exceptional young woman and the panel was totally impressed by her dedication to her chosen career in civil engineering.

"Louise faced tough competition but her determination to succeed in a male dominated environment shone through winning her this prestigious award.

"Good highways not only keep the public safe but keep the economy moving so Louise is helping to provide a much valued public service."

(GK/JM)