Laura Frost is set to represent the region in the Constructing Excellence national awards, in London, having being crowned G4C Future Leader at the Generation for Change Awards.
G4C, part of Constructing Excellence, aims to harness the young professional voice, driving continuous improvement in the UK built environment industry and the awards evening was an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the region’s talent pool.
Judges commended Laura’s passion and drive to go above and beyond in actively encouraging young people from diverse backgrounds into the construction industry. Also praised was Laura’s implementation of the graduate and apprentice bootcamp within the Real Estate division of Turner and Townsend on a national level, which led judges to identify Laura as a future leader in construction sector with the capacity to initiate positive change.
Laura Frost, said: “To be awarded G4C Future Leader by those in industry is a huge honour and highlights an exciting period in my career, which has been supported unreservedly by my employer, Turner and Townsend. It is the second win in two years for the business in this category and really highlights the fantastic culture of growth and vision that is so imbedded within its ethos.
“I am passionate about highlighting the fantastic opportunities within construction here in the North East. I believe it is extremely important to welcome new professionals as they enter the sector and share knowledge, as well as supporting the diversification of the industry to widen opportunities to people from all demographics. I have benefited from the experience of my colleagues and peers and it is only right that I pass this down the line and support the next generation as they develop in their careers.”
Laura will now represent the region, taking her place amongst the construction sector’s elite, at the national final in London at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square hotel on Friday 15th November.
Highly Commended in the G4C Future Leader category went to Olivia O’Toole, nominated and employed by Mott MacDonald.
Catriona Lingwood, chief executive at Constructing Excellence North East, said: “A huge well done to all of our winners, highly commended and shortlisted nominees.
“The night really is a celebration of the strength and drive that exists within members of our region’s construction industry, a sector that is a true asset to the North East and provides vast opportunities for those already within it and those entering or considering stepping in to it.
“A number of thanks is owed, firstly, to our headline sponsor Caddick Construction. In addition, our category sponsors, AtkinsRealis, Bowmer+Kirkland, Gleeds, Mott Macdonald Bentley, Northern Counties Builders Federation, Northumbrian Water Group and drinks sponsors, RED Engineering.
“I would also like to extend my appreciation to the North East and Tees Valley G4C committees for their time and dedication to promoting young professionals, not just on awards night, but throughout the year. In particular, my thanks go to G4C Co-Chairs for the North East & Tees Valley, Jessica Morgan, Matt Beattie, Rebecca Watt and Lewis Hughes.
“A huge congratulations to worthy G4C Future Leader winner, Laura Frost, who we will be supporting when she represents the region at the national finals later this year.”
Paul Dodsworth, managing director at Caddick Construction, said: “Sponsoring the Generation for Change 2024 Awards and especially the G4C Future Leader award, has been an absolute pleasure for Caddick. To see first-hand the talent and drive of the region’s workforce has been an honour and choosing the winners has been no mean feat for the judging panel. When I began my career as an apprentice bricklayer, I was championed by those I looked up to and learned from. This is something I am personally very passionate about passing on to future generations, and I look forward to seeing the impact these incredible young people will have in the North East for years to come.”
Category award winners on the night included:
Tom Ward, nominated by Hartlepool College and employed by H Malone and Sons Ltd – Trade Apprentice of the Year
Ryan Jackson, nominated and employed by Kier – Technical Apprentice of the Year
Daniel Hadnum, nominated and employed by Tilbury Douglas Construction – Student of the Year
Taya Williams, nominated and employed by RED Engineering – Trainee of the Year
Asimina Cole, nominated and employed by RE:GEN Group – New Professional of the Year
Michael Brandwood, nominated and employed by Bowmer+Kirkland – Mentor of the Year
Applebridge Family – Commitment to Employee and Training Development The full list of highly commended/winners can be viewed here: https://cene.org.uk/g4c-awards-2024-category-information/generation4change-2024-winners/
