Six engineers shortlisted for prestigious award in efforts to inspire next generation

Talented people working in construction and engineering are set to be recognised as part of a campaign to encourage more to follow in their footsteps.

Launched in March 2018, UK Construction Week (UKCW) established its Role Models campaign, with help from the Construction Youth Trust, to inspire others and raise awareness of the breadth of roles available in the construction industry.

The judges have put together a shortlist of 36 people from more than 130 high-quality entries - six people on the shortlist are engineers. 

Among those on the shortlist are Annabel Davis from Costain Ltd; Daniel Sullivan from Ridge & Partners LLP; Diego Padilla Phillips from WSP; Sally Walters from Pell Frischmann; Tony Ryan, technical director at Kingspan Insulated Panels and Christina Riley from Kier Group, who is also a member of the UKCW Diversity and Skills Panel and founder of LGBT Construct.

Those on the panel championed the six for their passion for improving the image and culture of construction; breaking paradigms and changing stereotypes; promoting the possibilities of learning while working; sharing their personal experiences with young people; and championing LGBT in the engineering sector and wider construction industry.

Ahead of the presentation for UKCW Role Model of the Year, a discussion will take place at the event about creating the new generation of construction professionals. UKCW will also hear from speakers such as Barbara Res – an engineer, lawyer and the project manager behind Trump Tower.

Commenting on the event and shortlist, Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, said: “As part of being shortlisted, role models will take part in an outreach programme to help build connections with local schools and colleges. It’s about sharing their construction career journeys and inspiring the next generation by dispelling the myths surrounding the construction industry. It’s an amazing opportunity for people to be celebrated in an industry that often gets negative press. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the work the role models are doing, not just on a day to day basis, but the work they’ve personally taken on to make this industry better.”

The winner will be announced at UKCW on 10 October.