GRAHAM has presented one of its emerging young civil engineers with a prestigious accolade in recognition of her outstanding performance.
Now in its tenth year, the annual award ceremony is in memory of respected colleague Harry McMullen, who was a positive influence and mentor to many young engineers in GRAHAM for over four decades.
Loughborough University student, Lauren Vavasour, who is from Derby, is the tenth recipient and the fourth female to receive the award.
Lauren was selected after introducing significant cost-saving, sustainable innovations to the civil engineering division of the business.
In addition, GRAHAM has committed to further supporting Lauren’s career journey by offering her sponsorship and a permanent position after she graduates.
Leo Martin, Managing Director of GRAHAM Civil Engineering said: “As a business, we are passionate about nurturing the professional development of all our staff and particularly our young people by instilling responsible, productive work practices and behaviours that deliver a lasting impact to both clients and communities.
“Lauren is a shining example of our bright, emerging talent in GRAHAM and is a great ambassador for women working in STEM.
“She has continued to show great promise as a talented civil engineer by making a number of quantifiable, positive contributions in just twelve months.
“Needless to say, our decision to name her as this year’s winner was unanimous.”
Lauren’s contributions include the procurement of an off-grid power supply on the A1 (M) Radwell site in Wansford to help minimise running costs, pollution and carbon emissions.
This resulted in a 96% reduction in diesel consumption, 93% in noise pollution, 79% reduction in cost and 14.9 tonne reduction in carbon emissions in just one month.
She was also involved in a footbridge replacement scheme at the A47 Longthorpe.
Leo Martin continued: “Congratulations to Lauren on her well-deserved win. We wish her all the best with her academic studies and look forward to her re-joining the team and progressing her career through our bespoke GRAHAM Academy.”
A keen advocate for fairness, inclusion and respect (FIR), Lauren was also instrumental in raising awareness of how to access women’s PPE and is an active member of GRAHAM’s ‘Women in Civil Engineering’ group.
Upon receiving her award, Lauren Vavasour said: “I’m so thankful to GRAHAM for giving me the opportunity to pursue my passions and learn from some of the best in the industry.
“The experience has really solidified my ambition to pursue a career in civil engineering and it’s exciting to know that after I qualify, I can start my professional career as a permanent member of the GRAHAM team!”
