Cemex is committed to building diverse teams that encompass a broad range of characteristics, including gender identity, age, race, religion, disabilities, and beyond. Diverse teams help foster an environment that encourages various perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences. Therefore, when the opportunity to offer an Industrial Placement came up, Baiba Medne, Process and Continuous Improvement Manager at our Rugby Cement Plant, was delighted to offer the placement to David Pius, an ambitious and passionate engineer.
David is a Process and Continuous Improvement Engineer at our Rugby Cement Plant, with a unique background and journey to working at Cemex. Currently completing a Master’s degree in Sustainable Engineering: Energy, at Nottingham Trent University, David works part-time at Cemex which he started in September 2023 as his Industrial Placement. In April 2025, David will be awarded his MSc and has accepted a full time offer to continue in his current role within the Process and Continuous Improvement department at the Cement Plant.
David’s academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in Petroleum Engineering from Nigeria, followed by an MBA from Nexford University (Distance learning) in the USA. This educational foundation paved the way for his entry into the cement industry where he gained substantial experience between 2018 and 2022 working at a Cement Plant in Nigeria. Starting on a Management Trainee Programme, David then transitioned into the role of Technical Support Engineer.
When it came to applying for his MSC Industrial placement, David was offered five different placements from reputable companies and in the end chose Cemex. David said: “It was a difficult decision, but I am so happy I chose Cemex. The quality of the on-the-job training, the high standards of Health and Safety and the fact that I was immediately involved in current projects has given me a fantastic experience so far. For me, I love the fact that the work I am doing has a direct impact on our Future in Action Strategy, and that is really important to me.”
Due to the quality of the placement work and world-class experience at Cemex Rugby, David achieved a high distinction in his placement module for his one-year placement at Cemex. His experience at Cemex has been positively shaped by the company’s friendly environment, open-door policy, and the unwavering support of his colleagues.
David’s current role a Process and Continuous Improvement Engineer involves process optimisation, root cause analysis, and he delighted to be directly involved in Rugby’s decarbonisation projects. His experience at Cemex not only provides him with immediate involvement in significant initiatives but also exposes him to invaluable experiences that continue to enrich David’s professional journey.
David’s Line Manager and mentor, Process and Continuous Improvement Manager, Baiba Medne, said: “I came across David’s CV during his application for the Process Engineer role at the Rugby Cement Plant and was taken by his prior experience at the Dangote Cement Plant in Nigeria. During the interview, David stood out from other candidates with his confidence, strong presentation skills, and well-prepared questions. His thorough understanding of Cemex’s profile, vision, and goals highlighted his motivation and genuine interest in our company. Over the course of a one-year work placement, David proved to be a reliable, driven, and passionate young engineer eager to learn and grow. I was particularly impressed by his confidence and proactive approach, especially his initiative in leading technical and safety-related meetings. Supporting and observing David’s professional development during this year was a rewarding experience for me as a new Manager. David has become a vital member of the Rugby Process team. His collaborative spirit and attentiveness to team dynamics ensure that colleagues feel supported and that tasks remain on track. We already miss his presence and contributions while he is back at university.”
David’s journey is a testament to his commitment to professional growth and his passion for sustainable engineering. He exemplifies the qualities of a driven and capable engineer ready to make a significant impact in the industry.