Most Promising Graduate Apprentice CECA Scotland Awards

On Thursday 28^th March, Sean MacDonald received the Most Promising Graduate Apprentice award at the annual CECA Scotland Awards at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.

RSE is delighted that Sean has been recognised for this award due to the rate in which he has progressed in his role as a Mechanical Engineer and navigated his chosen career path with professionalism and integrity since joining the company in 2018.

Commenting on the award, Sean said:

“The CECA awards was a fantastic night and great experience. I’d like to thank CECA for the award and the team at RSE for their continued support throughout my university course and early career. I hope to repay the trust and support I’ve received over the coming years.”

Following his second year of studying Mechanical Engineering at Strathclyde University, Sean joined RSE as a Junior Mechanical Engineer in the Water Technologies Design team to complete a Summer Placement. He worked within the Design team until 2018, when he left to start his third year of full-time study at university before leaving the course in December 2018.

Following the departure of his university course, Sean returned to RSE in September 2019, joining the Maintenance Standard Tasks (MSTs) team. Here, he worked on Scottish Water projects, assisting in developing Risk Assessments and Method Statements for fixed wire testing by MST site teams, alongside devising reports, trackers, and planners for the pump chain replacement programme. After over a year in the MST team, RSE offered him the opportunity to continue his Mechanical Engineering studies with Robert Gordon University through the Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme. Sean eagerly accepted, starting his studies in September 2020, beginning in the second year due to his prior Higher Education experience at Strathclyde University.

Whilst working with the MST team, Sean consistently delivered exceptional work and excelled in his studies. Seeking further challenges and growth as a Mechanical Engineer, Sean expressed his interest in transitioning to our water treatment design department. In May 2021, Sean transitioned from the RSE MST team to the RSE Water Technologies Mechanical Design Team full time. Since joining the Water Technologies team, Sean has played a pivotal role in contributing significantly to the mechanical design of various projects, while concurrently pursuing the requirements of his Graduate Apprenticeship studies.

The extensive and diverse portfolio of water and wastewater design projects Sean has been involved in illustrates his significant contribution and knowledge gained whilst in the role. Over this period, he has evolved into an outstanding Mechanical Engineer, earning the pride of the entire Senior Mechanical Design team.

Sean has played a central role in crucial decisions pertaining to equipment selections, optimal equipment placement, and the establishment of safe operating and maintenance procedures. His significant contributions to RSE’s Innovation portfolio not only facilitate the swift and efficient development of large water treatment designs but also contribute to cost and timescale reductions through product repeatability. This effort plays a key role in solidifying RSE’s positioning as a disruptor in the UK water industry.

In recognition of his unwavering commitment through receiving the Most Promising Graduate Apprentice Award, Sean serves as an inspiration to the next generation of engineers. His resilience demonstrated by his career path choices and his courage and determination to achieve goals to further his development are commendable.

The team had a great night celebrating Sean’s achievements and the upcoming talent recognised by the other category winners who represent the promising future of the water treatment industry.