Awards ceremonies create a real sense of achievement and momentum in our industry by rewarding effort and recognising potential in both young and more seasoned construction professionals. However, these events can take an enormous amount of organising, and it’s not just about booking the catering – meticulous care is taken to retain the integrity of prestigious awards like these by ensuring that the process is rigorous and the winners are truly the most deserving in their category.

This year, Matthew McCarrick has lent his time and expertise to the cause, having taken on the weighty role of judge for 2024’s Association of Project Manager’s Education and Research Awards.

These awards aim to nurture the next generation of project managers by celebrating their outstanding achievements in early career stages. Matthew is keenly aware of the difference this can make to young people just starting out. “I remember how incredibly motivated I was by any positive recognition from older mentors, early on in my career,” he says. “In construction, as new professionals, we often find ourselves working with colleagues who have 20-40 years more experience than us, and it’s difficult to feel like you will ever be able to climb that ladder and earn their respect. Applying for an award, while challenging, can represent a possible shortcut to gaining a bit of a name for yourself.”

With 25 years of extensive experience in the construction industry, he understands the challenges and opportunities that young professionals face and he has kept these firmly in mind whilst evaluating this year’s entries.

The APM Awards also serve as a platform for academic excellence and innovative ideas, supporting a robust project management community that values continuous learning and professional growth. Matthew is particularly enthusiastic about this, having experienced first-hand the transformative power of education and mentorship. “I was lucky enough to be taken on by Bovis Lendlease (as was) as a trainee/student and over the following years I was exposed to a great many excellent training courses in leadership, project management, teambuilding and resilience that would be harder to access now. I’m more than happy to help keep this positive culture going by supporting and encouraging lifelong learning in the next generation of project managers.”

As the APM Education and Research Awards 2024 take place in November, we look forward to seeing the achievements of so many young professionals and academics inspire each the best in each other as they take their places at the table as the generation of project managers.

Best of luck to all those who are nominated this year.

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