G4C 2023 - Winners Announced

Sponsored by Mott Macdonald
Winner – Harry Carney, nominated and employed by TClarke

Harry not only excels in the college environment but on site too. He has shown real commitment and passion towards the industry and has recently taken on the mentoring of some first year apprentices. Harry has a great work ethic, communication skills and works well in a team, always looking for further responsibilities, which has resulted in fantastic feedback from clients.

Harry has a “Safety-First” attitude to their work evident in his regular involvement in the company’s procedure for recording safety observations.

Sponsored by Bowmer+Kirkland
Winner – Rachel Stephenson, nominated and employed by Roberts Environmental

Rachel is making a real impact within her company and receives great feedback from clients, stating that she is a truly instrumental part of the team.

Graduating with a distinction in a master’s degree in 2022, Rachel was awarded joint prize for Best Overall Student by the School for Natural and Environmental Sciences at Newcastle University. Using information gained has led to the creation of a new model which can analyse PAH fingerprints and diagnostic ratios, providing a product and new service for Roberts Environmental.

Anna is involved in inspiring future generations of environmental engineers by presenting at universities and participating in STEM events at local schools.

Highly Commended – Andrew Smales, nominated and employed by Sir Robert McAlpine

Sponsored by Northumbrian Water Group
Winner – Laura Alexander, nominated and employed by Turner & Townsend

Laura is a highly determined person and in her own personal time, has encouraged and promoted careers within the industry. Laura has created national Careers Fair Materials and Work Experience Pack. Being one of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion leads in her company, she has placed huge focus on neurodivergence in the workplace and psychological safety throughout the workplace.

Noticing a visible knowledge gap for those entering the industry of the extensive roles the sector has to offer, Laura has try to combat this by encouraging cross-organisational collaboration, encouraging multiple businesses in the industry to set aside competition and come together to provide a comprehensive work experience week allowing students to work shadow and therefore be able to realise their full potential.

Highly Commended – Dan Clark, nominated and employed by B&W Engineering

Highly Commended – Kashaf Ali, nominated and employed by Turner & Townsend  

Sponsored by RED Engineering
Winner – Lenny McLennan, nominated and employed by Meldrum Construction

From the outset of Lenny’s career he has shown dedication and commitment to the industry and taken on a role to be heavily involved with social value within the business. Lenny has participated in careers days, been work shadowed by students and supported these students to participate in tasks. Then completing his own office-based tasks for the team at the end of the day once the students have gone.

Lenny has played a key part in a group that moulded and produced an internal training module, specifically for work experience. His recent experience of apprenticeships and training, was invaluable in influencing the content, ensuring that those undertaking it get the most out of dedicated training opportunities, becoming more efficient and knowledgeable.

Highly Commended – Kashaf Ali, nominated and employed by Turner & Townsend  

Sponsored by Faithful+Gould
Winner – Carney Consultancy  

Carney Consultancy is totally committed to training and investing time in their staff, they have built a sustainable legacy of values and professionalism, which has led to a loyal skilled workforce, who are known for their high standard of work.

They actively champion training, apprenticeships and recruiting new talent into the construction industry through various programmes including the Future Female Leaders and being Enterprise Advisors working with schools.

As an organisation they have given back to their local community, providing free training for those in areas of social deprivation via youth projects and funding training for charities. Supporting local charities and linking this to securing jobs for people in the construction industry in the process.

Sponsored by Faithful+Gould
Winner – Kier Construction

Training and upskilling their workforce are integral to Kier Construction with them recently launching new initiatives to encourage personal responsibility in performance and development.

In attracting, retaining and rewarding their staff, Kier have implemented industry leading incentives and initiatives including an awards scheme, recognising outstanding individuals and teams within the business. New protocols have been introduced including agile and flexible working, enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave, paid leave for anyone who experiences pregnancy loss, carers’ policy and menopause support.

Sponsored by Gateshead College
Winner – Anjana Raj, nominated and employed by Sir Robert McAlpine

Anjana is seen as an inspirational mentor, and “characterised by her passion to change lives”.  Anjana has not only mentored managers and professionals within the business, but also supported and guided a succession of apprentices and graduate trainees into highly successful careers.  She has been instrumental in implementing a wide range of value-added initiatives that embrace equality, promotes diversity, and demonstrates that the construction industry offers opportunities to everyone.

Currently working with Women into Construction and BuildNE, Anjana is part of the Mentoring Circle that has successfully supported a group of North East women into jobs. She has also created and implemented a hugely successful pre-apprenticeship programme with North Tyneside Council.

Anjana Chairs the Northern region Social Value Leadership team and the company’s national Social Value Task Force.  The impact of the work by these groups goes far beyond their own company, as they have influenced and guided over 2000 young people in schools and colleges across the North East to pursue a career in the construction industry.

Highly Commended – Neil Hosie, nominated and employed by Kier Construction

Sponsored by Northern Counties Builders Federation

Winner – Charlotte Robson, nominated and employed by Turner & Townsend

Charlotte has demonstrated real commitment and passion towards the industry, being involved with her company’s internal net zero and sustainability group, assisting with organising CPD events as well as knowledge and awareness sessions to share best practice with members of the team. An integral part of the company’s ‘buddy scheme’ to ensure the new graduates settle in and be a point of contact if they need any assistance.

Charlotte is an active member of NAWIC Tees Valley, supporting career events to promote the industry and assists with the organising of events.

Charlotte’s ability to gain the trust and respect of her peers is evident in abundance with both her ‘all in’ one-team approach and her ability to lead the personal growth and development of others, including her colleagues, competitors and clients.

Highly Commended – Jake Feeney, nominated and employed by FaulknerBrowns Architects

Highly Commended – Caroline Morton, nominated and employed by Carney CDM

Highly Commended – Demi Hindhaugh, nominated and employed by Turner & Townsend