She is currently on her placement year with the company and was selected after introducing significant cost-saving, sustainable innovations to the civil engineering division of GRAHAM. She procured an off-grid power supply on the A1 (M) Radwell site in Wansford to help minimise running costs, pollution and carbon emissions. This resulted in a 96% reduction in diesel consumption, 93% in noise pollution, 79% reduction in cost and 14.9 tonne reduction in carbon emissions in just one month.

Lauren was also instrumental in raising awareness of how to access women’s PPE and is an active member of GRAHAM’s ‘Women in Civil Engineering’ group.

GRAHAM has committed to supporting Lauren’s career journey by offering her sponsorship and a permanent position after she graduates. 

Upon receiving her award, Lauren Vavasour said: “I’m so thankful to GRAHAM for giving me the opportunity to pursue my passions and learn from some of the best in the industry.

“The experience has really solidified my ambition to pursue a career in civil engineering and it’s exciting to know that after I qualify, I can start my professional career as a permanent member of the GRAHAM team!”

Leo Martin, Managing Director of GRAHAM Civil Engineering added: “Lauren is a shining example of our bright, emerging talent in GRAHAM and is a great ambassador for women working in STEM.

“She has continued to show great promise as a talented civil engineer by making a number of quantifiable, positive contributions in just twelve months. Needless to say, our decision to name her as this year’s winner was unanimous.”