Generation for Change salutes North East talent ahead of awards night

A body representing young professionals in the UK’s built environment sector has finalised its 2021 regional awards shortlist.

Generation for Change (G4C) will hand out a number of accolades across various sub-sectors during an event in October.

Categories include apprentice of the year – technical and trade; new professional of the year; student of the year; trainee of the year; commitment to employee and training development; G4C future leader; and mentor of the year.

Organisers say the regional future leader winner will go forward to January’s Constructing Excellence National Awards.

G4C is the young professional voice of the UK built environment industry and has been an integral part of Constructing Excellence for the last six years, with North East winners having gone on to triumph at the national final.

Turner & Townsend is one company hoping to emulate the success it has had on both the regional and national stage in recent years.

Darren Laybourn, director, North East strategic lead – UK and global head of healthcare, said: “The development of our people is at the heart of our business and we have established a graduate programme which aims to attract, develop and retain local talent.

“We have a number of colleagues shortlisted within the award categories, which is testament to their ambition and determination to progress through the company.

“We are also incredibly humbled to be shortlisted, as a company, for our commitment to employee training and development, something we can all be very proud of.

“We wish all nominees the best of luck on the night.”

Tony Kay, president of awards headline sponsor Northern Counties Builders Federation, said: “Developing and nurturing the skillset of our future workforce is crucial.

“I am sure that everyone will be looking forward to the night. It is a chance for many people to meet in person once again and showcase the great talent that we have within our region.”

Catriona Lingwood, chief executive at Constructing Excellence in the North East, added: “We have had an incredible number of entries, demonstrating the high calibre of talent we have in our region – we wish them all good luck.”

The awards will be held at the Newcastle-Gateshead Hilton Hotel in October.

Pictured: Eve Wilson, 2020’s G4C future leader award winner