An energy leader has praised two female students from the eastern region after they scooped the top accolade for their energy course.
Jasmine Allen, 18. from Beccles, and Jodie Brand, 17, of Corton, were named joint Student of the Year on this year’s Energy Skills Foundation Programme (ESFP) – one of the core initiatives of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) through its Skills for Energy Programme.
Deirdre Michie, chief executive of Oil & Gas UK, who says there is still a “mountain to climb” to bring more women into engineering, praised their achievement.
“I’d like to commend Jodie and Jasmine on what is a fantastic achievement in their budding careers. I hope their story inspires more people to pursue their goals in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) areas, empowered by the knowledge of great initiatives such as EEEGR’s Skills for Energy programme.
“The UK’s offshore oil and gas industry is an exciting place to work, offering up diverse global opportunities in high value roles.”
The pair are among around 30 students who annually gain qualifications, experience and knowledge to help them choose careers, including mechanical and electrical engineering in the region’s expanding energy sector.
The NVQ Level 2 pre-apprenticeship course is delivered across the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft campuses of East Coast College and draws students from Suffolk and Norfolk.
Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has appointed Robert De La Rue as tax partner in Chelmsford to strengthen its regional and national tax practice.
Robert joins from Jardine Motors Group (JMG) where he has been the group head of tax for the last three years.
In that role he drew on more than 11 years’ experience of the tax industry having previously held roles within the FTSE100, Big 4 accounting firms and HMRC.
Managing partner Richard White said: “He brings a wealth of experience.”
Woodbridge-based developer Hopkins Homes has appointed Gavin Houghton as head of technical.
The internal appointment will see Gavin, who joined the company in 2015, heading up the team responsible for all technical and infrastructure matters.
“Before starting at Hopkins Homes I worked for over 10 years as an engineering consultant for a number of house builders so I have a broad spectrum of experience within the industry” said Gavin.
Cambridge-based auctioneers and land agents Cheffins has announced a number of senior promotions.
Ryan Bourgaise, head of Cheffins’ Haverhill office, has been promoted to director. Mark Peck, head of residential sales, comments: “Ryan Bourgaise has been instrumental in the growth of the Cheffins Haverhill office in
Suzi Smith (HR, finance and administration) Sharon Hamilton, (marketing) and Lynsey Butcher, (finance) have also been promoted to director.
Not-for-profit organisation Broadland Housing Association, which operates across Norfolk and north Suffolk, has welcomed Catherine Little as its new executive housing director.
Catherine, who has a wealth of experience, will lead Broadland’s neighbourhood, income, tenancy support, estate services and tenant engagement teams.
Chair Chris Ewbank said: “We are excited to be working with her as she drives forward engagement and strategy in the housing directorate.”
Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has bolstered its support for small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the East of England with the appointment of a new regional manager for its global transaction banking SME business, covering Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.
In his new role Stephane Claeys will work with SMEs across the region to improve the management of their working capital – the amount of money businesses tie up in covering day-to-day costs.
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