A student has become the first recipient of a new engineering award launched in memory of a local businessman.
College of West Anglia student Lou Kyle has received the inaugural David Bretten Endeavour in Engineering Award, presented by Mr Bretten’s grandson Callum McDermid.
Mr Bretten was a former engineering student of the college, where he won an attainment prize for engineering.
He went on to graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering at university in London.
A local man, he ran his own family business and had links to many companies. However, David’s technical ingenuity and vivid imagination extended beyond the local area.
From bridge testers to the space shuttle (transportation mechanism for moving delicate objects), an oil rig to an Elton John concert (lighting gantries), he was always in demand.
After his death, his family approached CWA, wishing to extend his legacy to the next generation of budding engineers.
Engineering students from CWA’s Lynn and Wisbech campuses were nominated by their course directors for showing commitment and dedication to their study, demonstrating positive change and achievement. Mr Bretten’s family selected the winner.
Claire Bretten, David’s daughter, said: “We selected Lou Kyle for the David Bretten Endeavour in Engineering Award for her determination to improve, her conscientious approach to her studies, and her achievements with improving grades throughout her time on the course.”
From a diverse range of nominations, the family narrowed down to a short list of four very strong contenders, each of whom could have been worthy winners. Lou showed a diverse range of positive attributes which just tipped her to the top.
Overall, the Bretten family recognised the great character Lou has shown. As Mr Bretten would have put it: “Lou has just got her head down and got on with it, solving whatever problems were in front of her, and enabling her to succeed in achieving her goals.”
Watched by her family and CWA engineering staff, Lou was presented with a trophy and prize of £500.
She is hoping to start her career in marine engineering soon, now that she has completed her Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technologies.
CWA deputy CEO/vice principal curriculum and quality, Kerry Heathcote, said: “We are extremely grateful to David Bretten’s family for inspiring and supporting our engineering students in this way. David Bretten was a pioneer of his time, and it is fitting that his legacy is commemorated at the college where his engineering career started. Well done to all the students nominated for the award and congratulations to Lou on being selected as winner.”
