CIHT awarded its Emerging Professional and Apprentice of the Year at a conference in Birmingham this week. The awards were made in front of over 120 attendees at CIHT’s Emerging Professional Conference held at Aston University on 9 April 2025.
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Presented in recognition and as a celebration of an emerging professional who’s making a difference in the highway and transportation sector and has contributed to the advancement of the profession early in their career.
On presenting the awards, Glenn Lyons, President, CIHT said:
This event highlights the importance of future professionals and the vital role they play not just in CIHT but in coming up with the solutions to the challenges we face in sector and across society as a whole.”
“Each year the quality of entrants for the emerging professionals at CIHT increases, making this process a very difficult exercise. Everyone should be proud to have been nominated as they all deserved to make the final list. This year we were lucky enough to have some extremely high-quality entries and from personal experience I know this made the judging even more difficult.”
“Our emerging professional of the year winners are extremely well respected individuals and are playing key roles in CIHT at regional and national level.
This year we were lucky enough to have some extremely high-quality entries and from personal experience I know this made the judging even more difficult.
Shortlisted for this year’s award were:
This year’s award winner was Lauren Allington, Assistant Transport Planning Officer at Devon County Council.
Glenn Lyons, President, CIHT said:
Lauren delivered an excellent presentation, offering a thoughtful and creative perspective on the institution’s themes, particularly around the role of uncertainty. Her insights on the need to broaden communication beyond just carbon, and her call for industry-wide reflection on skills and access especially within councils were compelling. She showed strong leadership and strategic thinking, with a clear passion for improving how we engage the public and future generations. Lauren’s work in the South West, especially through CIHT, demonstrates her commitment to inclusion, communication, and inspiring the next wave of professionals. Her views on improving access to CIHT resources and promoting equality across the sector would bring real value at a national level.
Lauren is currently on sabbatical and will be presented her award at the South-West Dinner on 8 May 2025.
This award celebrates the achievements of apprentices who work in the highways and transportation sector, and the organisations that put them at the heart of their business.
Glenn Lyons, President, CIHT said:
This year we were lucky enough to receive many high-quality applications, which came from some of the best and brightest apprentices within the sector. It was challenging to shortlist only four finalists from the outstanding applications and we must thank all the apprentices who made applications and all those who contributed to their development.”
“They all impressed us with not only their knowledge of the sector but with the ideas and enthusiasm that they have revealed during our interview process
The final four shortlisted apprentices were:
This year’s award winner was Poppy Kennedy who is currently on a Social Value and Sustainability Apprenticeship at Marlborough Highways.
Glenn Lyons, President, CIHT said:
Poppy gave a powerful and inspiring presentation, demonstrating clarity, authenticity, and a deep understanding of the challenges facing the industry – particularly around climate action, professionalism, and EDI. She brought personal insight and passion, sharing her journey into construction and her advocacy for greater inclusion, especially for women and underrepresented groups. Poppy has already had significant impact – both within her business, improving carbon practices, and beyond, through public engagement and speaking to thousands of students. She’s a powerful voice for the future of the profession and would be a strong ambassador for CIHT’s values and vision.”
Glenn Lyons closed with, “It's hugely important for CIHT and a major honour to present these awards to the winners - our leaders of tomorrow. Transportation development thrives on innovation and must be sustainable. These leading professionals are committed to delivering solutions to safeguard this future. I congratulate both Lauren and Poppy on their success and look forward to working with them in the future.
CIHT will be working with all the shortlisted candidates for the Emerging and Apprentice of the Year Awards to celebrate their achievements to a wider audience.
For any photos or additional information on these awards please contact e: communications@ciht.org.uk
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