Winner announced of the CIHT National Apprentice of the Year Award 2019

14th Nov 2019

The award celebrates the achievements of CIHT’s apprentices working within the highways and transportation sector, and the organisations that put them at the heart of their business.

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The CIHT National Apprentice of the Year 2019 is Jack Smith, Apprentice Engineer at Arup based in Belfast. Jack started his apprenticeship in September 2018 and will complete his course of Construction and the Built Environment in June 2020.

Jack Smith, Apprentice Engineer, Arup receiving his trophy from Martin Tugwell, CIHT President at the CIHT Young Professionals Conference 2019Jack was awarded his trophy by Martin Tugwell, CIHT President 2019-2020 in front of an audience of over 230 attendees at the CIHT Young Professionals Conference 2019. ‘The Future of Transport: Sustainability and Innovation’ event was held at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. This sell out conference was designed and organised by CIHT’s Young Professionals Network.

Seven other National Apprentice of the Year finalists were awarded highly commended status in recognition of their fantastic achievements. The finalists took part in today’s conference and have been invited to become greater involved in future CIHT activity in their respective regional and national groups.

Jack Smith, Apprentice Engineer, Arup said: 

“It’s unbelievable to be named Apprentice of the Year. I am quite a new apprentice – I have only just completed my first year ¬– but I have done substantial work on a lot of different projects including local road and railway schemes and the new Belfast Transport Hub. I think the amount I have done in a short time has worked in my favour.

"I always strive to be the best I can be and my ambition at the moment is to stay with Arup, move up the ranks and get to senior engineer, get chartered and eventually be a director. This award is extremely well respected. It shows my hard work and desire and I think it will help me in continuing my career development."

Martin Tugwell, President, CIHT said:

“I would like to congratulate Jack on being awarded the CIHT National Apprentice of the Year award 2019. Jack stood out as an outstanding recipient due to his work promoting sustainability and better environmental practices within Arup in Belfast. Jack’s ability to proactively reduce the carbon footprint of his company whilst championing a healthy and active lifestyle for all colleagues demonstrates his outstanding leadership skills. We look forward to welcoming Jack on CIHT Activities in the future.”

Ken Carter, Senior Engineer, Arup who championed Jack for the award said:

“Jack is a fantastic asset to Arup’s Infrastructure team in Belfast and we are extremely proud that this award recognises his impressive achievements and commitment to professional development.”


Notes to Editors
CIHT National Apprentice of the Year Award

The judging panel was comprised of Martin Tugwell, President, CIHT and Programme Director, England’s Economic Heartland, Catherine de Marco, Deputy Director at the Department for Transport (DfT) and Erin Ruddy, CIHT National Apprentice of the Year winner 2018.

The judging panel invited the eight shortlisted candidates to demonstrate how they make a positive impact in highways and transportation by:

  • Managing Change - how they have embraced the challenge of a demanding work placement and study programme in the changing landscape of highways and transportation.
  • Commitment & Contribution - Going above and beyond the expectation of their roles on one or more projects or initiatives.
  • Future - Identifying the attributes that will enable their future success in the industry and inspire others to follow a similar route.

The seven other shortlisted candidates were:

  • Jared Humphries, Civil Engineering Apprentice, FM Conway
  • Owen Smith, Apprentice Project Manager, Kier Group
  • Katrina Ho, Degree Apprentice Civil Engineering, Atkins
  • Joe Lungley, Apprentice Transport Planner, Jacobs
  • Jordan O’Loughlin, Apprentice Transport Planning Technician, WSP
  • Jemma Pearse, Apprentice Transport Planner, Jacobs
  • Cameron Lafferty, Highways Technician, Amey

The CIHT National Apprentice of the Year Award opened for entries in April 2019. Candidates were required to provide a 1,000 word statement on their role and contribution supported by their employers and or training providers. Apprentices must be working with their employer and enrolled on an apprenticeship scheme in a highways and transportation related occupation.

Apprentices in the highways and transportation industry can join CIHT here.

Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation

CIHT is a membership organisation representing over 14,000 people who work in the highways and transportation sector.

CIHT members plan, design, build, operate and maintain best-in-class transport systems and infrastructure, whilst respecting the imperatives of improving safety, ensuring economic competitiveness and minimising environmental impact.

CIHT supports its member's professional endeavours by:
•    offering training, information, professional development and support
•    promoting the value added to society by the profession
•    being the focused voice to Governments and other decision makers on transportation expertise and knowledge.

For more information please contact:
Daniel Isichei, Director of Communications, Daniel.Isichei@ciht.org.uk t: +44(0)20 7336 1567 m: 07912 122573 www.ciht.org.uk

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Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT.  We are  committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career

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