Mentor of the Year

Marzia Bolpagni
Mace

Marzia volunteers her time outside Mace to inspire the next generation especially women, in getting into the construction sector and get the right skills. - She supported older women to further develop their careers within and outside her company - She mentor 20 students at Northumbria University and she provided evidences of students' feedback - She helped students to find job in construction by empowering them - She mentored UCL students to present and publish their work.

Colin Buckle
Arcadis

Whilst maintaining a full time operational role for a day job I've provided support and mentoring to my own reportees, Apprentices and Line Managers across our UK business and to other businesses, always with a focus on supporting them both professionally but also in any aspect of their lives that they needed it. I created a free and national forum to bring Apprentices, Employers, Further Education Providers and Professional Institutions together to improve Degree Apprenticeships for all and continued that with mentoring and support to anyone who asked for it, wherever they might be.

Carole Connor
Blanchard Wells

Carole plays a crucial role in supporting apprentices at Blanchard Wells and the Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC). Her friendly, mentoring approach aids young apprentices transitioning from school to the construction industry. Carole goes above and beyond, providing transportation, mental health support, and academic assistance. She is known for her nurturing nature, often referred to as "Mum." Her dedication is reflected in high apprentice retention rates and numerous testimonials from colleagues. Carole’s belief in second chances and her relentless support make her a deserving candidate for the Mentor of the Year Award.

Aaron Davis
Flannery Plant Hire

Aaron Davis, Skills and Safety Director at Flannery Plant Hire, has transformed our training programs and workforce diversity over the past two and a half years. He spearheaded the Skills Bootcamp in Plant Operations, established multiple training hubs, and introduced mobile units, making training accessible nationwide. Aaron's commitment to diversity has brought significant inclusivity to the industry, with remarkable representation from underrepresented groups. His mentorship and leadership have inspired a culture of continuous learning and safety improvement. Aaron’s innovative approach and dedication have made a profound impact, aligning perfectly with our company’s goals of safety, sustainability, and excellence.

Amena Khan
Mott MacDonald

Amena has maintained a strong belief in values such as progress, respect, integrity, drive, and excellence. Her approach to aspire and achieve tremendous growth / impact within the Construction industry while returning the goodwill through supporting others. Amena’s approach has improved equality and diversity within the Construction sector, drawing girls and women from various backgrounds into the Construction and Engineering sectors. Amena believes in empowering her gender with no bias to individuals from different backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. These qualities projected her towards making the finalist list for the recently concluded “The European Women In Construction and Engineering Awards 2024”.

Olusegun Femisola Otegbeye
Mott MacDonald

I have successfully mentored over 100 project professionals to become successful planning engineers, Project Controllers, Project Managers, and achievement of accreditations including Full / Fellow memberships of other project management bodies (ACostE, APM, PMI, AACE, RICS, CIOB). With the guidance and mentorship I offered aspiring and established project professionals, these have boosted their confidence as regards project execution and delivery by putting into practice the training I put each through. This I did outside my everyday job role, which is a testament of going above and beyond my day role towards giving back to other professionals within the industry.

Sultan Qureshi
NS Nordic AS

Sultan's 24-year legacy in construction leadership and mentorship stands as a testament to transformative guidance and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning. Personally, Sultan's patient and knowledgeable approach has been instrumental in shaping my transition from university to the industry, instilling within me a deep sense of confidence and an unwavering drive for excellence. Their dedication to nurturing talent and fostering resilience is not just inspiring but also serves as a daily motivation. Sultan's mentorship transcends mere skill development; it shapes future leaders and establishes new benchmarks in project execution.

Steve Russell
Reds10

Steve Russell is a master joiner and carpenter with 45 years’ experience. When Reds10 opened its unique apprenticeship workshop, Steve was top of the list for mentor. Since then, several apprentices have achieved their qualifications, with more due to complete in 2024. Steve doesn’t just mentor one, but often eight or nine apprentices at once. Each gets his full attention. “Steve has been such a good mentor to us all. If it hadn’t been for him, I don’t think we would be anywhere near finishing. The fact that we’re all so close now shows how good he’s been.”

Molly Webster
Core Recruiter

Molly Webster, Senior Recruiter at Core Recruiter, revolutionizes mentorship with her innovative programs and relentless dedication. From skyrocketing promotion rates by 40% to boosting client satisfaction by 20%, her impact is undeniable. Molly’s leadership inspires her team, driving excellence and reducing turnover by 30%. Her cutting-edge initiatives like Recruitment Bootcamp and Leadership Workshops set new industry standards. Endorsed by Director James Brown, Molly's transformative mentorship cultivates top-tier talent and propels Core Recruiter to new heights. Molly Webster isn't just a mentor—she's a game-changer in the construction recruitment industry.