Young rail professionals awards 2022

Lucy Ellis, one of Laing O’Rourke civils and geotechnical section engineers currently on East West Rail Phase 2, scooped the top prize at last week’s Young Rail Professional (YRP) of the year awards.

Presented with ‘Young Rail Professional of the year’ Lucy was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the rail industry during the last 5 years.

An active STEM ambassador and regular advocate for women in construction, Lucy’s passionate about changing people’s perceptions of the construction industry and attracting the next generation.

Lucy joined the East West Rail Alliance (EWRA) integration team as a Laing O’Rourke degree apprentice and is currently managing a team of 40, including apprentices and teams from three different contractors, she is involved in fencing and landscaping for circa 1000 plots ensuring the work is carried out sensitively with landowners.

Talking about her award Lucy said: “I am honoured to have been awarded Young Rail Professional of the Year and would like to thank the teams at Laing O’Rourke and the East West Rail Alliance for all the support I have received over the years which has enabled me to achieve this recognition.  The business and project have provided me with countless opportunities to diversify my skills and have supported me every step of the way.

“I care a great deal about the future of our industry and the individuals in which we are encouraging into the sector and believe that if we can provide positive role models for the next generation as well as continue to promote the way in which the industry is adapting to overcome current challenges, then we are well on our way to making a positive impact to both the communities involved and the environment too."

Mark Cuzner, East West Rail Director said: “Lucy’s passion for infrastructure, the team and attracting the next generation is commendable. Lucy is a role model for the construction industry and fully deserves to be recognised with this prestigious award.”

Young Rail Professionals (YRP) was founded in 2009 to promote the rail industry as a great place to work, inspire the next generation of railway talent and develop young people to reach their potential.