MHCA Cornerstone Awards unveiled for construction management students

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association’s (MHCA) Cornerstone Awards for two students in Red River College (RRC) Polytechnical’s construction management degree program have been announced for 2024/25.

Two awards, valued at a minimum of $2,500 each, are available annually to students enrolled in the fourth-year of the construction management degree program at RRC Polytech and who are interested in the heavy construction industry as a career.

This year’s bursary recipients are Hugh Clarke and Hayley Lecuyer.

Lecuyer works as a surveyor for Tri-Core Projects, creating models for machine data control, performing onsite layout and assisting in securing future work through survey take-offs, explains a release from the association.

“Heavy civil construction presents a wealth of job opportunities that excite me. While some may find the ‘dirty’ work unappealing, I find it intriguing and fun,” Lecuyer said.

“The ability to work outdoors, face diverse challenges, and engage with various aspects of the construction process energizes me. The nature of this work allows me to travel to remote areas of Manitoba that I have never seen before, deepening my appreciation for the natural beauty of our province. The opportunity to contribute to infrastructure that connects previously unlinked points of land provides immense fulfilment and pride.”

Clarke is a fourth-year student in the program and says he wants to pursue a career in civil transportation projects, such as high-speed rail and light-rapid transit systems.

“These monumental projects have the potential to significantly improve lives by reducing traffic congestion, and interconnect communities allowing people to travel more easily and affordably, Clarke states. “By contributing to these types of projects, I hope to play a part in enhancing the quality of life for Canadians and promote sustainable development.”

Established by the MHCA, the Cornerstone Awards recognize past board chairs who since 1945 have laid the cornerstone foundations upon which the MHCA has been built.