The future of highways, transportation and infrastructure was recognised and celebrated at the CIHT Emerging Professionals Conference, where the Institution presented its prestigious Emerging Professional of the Year and Apprentice of the Year awards. 

Held as the final celebration of a day dedicated to learning, networking and professional development, the awards showcased some of the sector's most talented rising stars and highlighted the vital contribution that apprentices and emerging professionals are making to the future of transport.

Opening the awards ceremony, CIHT President Kate Carpenter reflected on the importance of recognising talent at the start of professional careers and the role that future leaders will play in addressing the challenges facing the sector.

Apprentice of the Year

The CIHT Apprentice of the Year Award celebrates the achievements of apprentices working across the highways and transportation profession and the organisations that support their development.

This year's shortlist reflected the breadth of talent emerging across the sector, with finalists:
•    Arran Arnott, Assistant Civil Engineer, Pick Everard
•    Aspen Chamberlain, Apprentice Transport Technician, Southampton City Council
•    Daniel Hayhurst, Apprentice Planner, Kier Group
•    Jaime Pena Monteiro, Transport Planning Apprentice, Leicestershire County Council
•    George Skuse, Civil Engineer Apprentice, Mott MacDonald 

Following a highly competitive judging process, George Skuse was named CIHT Apprentice of the Year 2026. In presenting the award, Deborah Sims, Academic Lead in Civil Engineering for MKC Training at the Royal School of Military Engineering and a past president of CIHT said that this year’s judges praised his exceptional enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to the profession.

They were particularly impressed by the level of responsibility he has already undertaken on major projects, his commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, and his efforts to encourage others into the sector through work experience opportunities, school engagement and apprentice mentoring. The judges also recognised the outstanding quality of the wider field, with Jaime Pena Monteiro receiving a Highly Commended award, while Arran Arnott, Daniel Hayhurst and Aspen Chamberlain were commended for their achievements.

Emerging Professional of the Year

The CIHT Emerging Professional of the Year Award recognises individuals who are already making a significant impact on the highways and transportation sector early in their careers while contributing to the advancement of the profession.

The 2026 finalists were:
•    Haripreeth Iyer, Highway Engineer, Amey
•    Rachel Lord, Chartered Transport Planner, Tetra Tech
•    Thomas Owen, Senior Engineer, Waterman Aspen
•    Zoe Smith, Transport Data Lead, West Midlands Combined Authority

The award was presented to Rachel Lord, whose contribution to both the profession and CIHT stood out among an exceptionally strong field. Judges highlighted her achievements in transport planning, leadership and mentoring, as well as her significant contribution to CIHT through Council involvement, professional development activities and support for fellow emerging professionals. They also recognised her commitment to helping shape the future of the sector while creating opportunities for others to develop and succeed.

The judging panel also awarded a Highly Commended recognition to Zoe Smith, with Haripreeth Iyer and Thomas Owen commended for their achievements.

Inspiring the future

The awards formed a fitting conclusion to a conference focused on helping attendees build skills, expand professional networks and explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of transport. Throughout the day, delegates heard from industry leaders, participated in workshops and engaged in discussions on issues ranging from public health and mobility to emerging technologies and career development.

Congratulating all finalists and winners, CIHT recognised not only their individual achievements but also the important role apprentices and emerging professionals will play in delivering the innovative thinking, leadership and expertise that the sector needs in the years ahead.