Final year Aston University Engineering student Mamoon Zaheer has won the City of Birmingham Silver Jubilee Engineering award and a prize of £1,000 after competing against five other Birmingham students.
These five student Engineers gave individual presentations on their industrial work placements where they were working on national projects. The judges were impressed with Mamoon’s business sense and his drive and enthusiasm during his work placement with Carillion, one of today's leading infrastructure, building and business services companies. Mamoon headed up the IT procurement section where he took responsibility for six staff. He rose to the challenge and proved to be an excellent manager, suggesting improvements and exceeding expectations in his area. By way of an appreciation for his hard work Carillion sponsored Mamoon throughout his final year at Aston.
Interviewed by a panel of nine judges, including the Lord Mayor, Rob Dawes, Chairman of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Midland Region Committee and six top engineering representatives from around the UK, Mamoon was questioned about his contribution and achievements to engineering. He discussed how he believes engineering could attract more students and grow as a profession.
Rob Dawes said: ‘We were looking for the presentation which demonstrated a dedicated commitment to engineering. The award recognises the contribution that students are expected to make to the future of the industry.’
Mamoon, who also won the Electronic Employers Federation Prize for being the top foundation student at Aston, said: ‘Not so long ago I was working as a security guard but now I am almost a graduate. It proves that with hard work nothing is impossible.’
Words by Eleanor Drew
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