Rising Star: winner

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Winner: Jason Kairouz, Balfour Beatty

Jason Kairouz has risen to the role of project engineer at Balfour Beatty, having joined the contractor’s graduate scheme in 2018. The company said “he has shown excellent leadership and great passion” for his role.

Kairouz has worked with schools to promote and inspire the next generation of railway professionals, and has served as a mentor to other junior graduates.

“Jason’s STEM outreach in schools and mentoring shifts shows he not only walks the walk, but helps others to do so, too”
Judges’ comment

Balfour Beatty said: “As temporary works coordinator for the region, he regularly liaises with clients to deliver time-sensitive works. As a result of his positive relationships with stakeholders, Network Rail has specifically requested Jason for the building of 12 bridges.”

A keen advocate of modern methods, Kairouz has worked to reduce the need for onsite labour within his projects by increasing the use of prefabricated materials, bringing benefits across health and safety, programme efficiency and sustainability.

The CN Awards judges said Kairouz’s entry demonstrated his “real commitment”, adding that despite his “unassuming” style, his “positivity and leadership skills are very obvious”.

They added: “Jason’s STEM [Science, technology, engineering and maths] outreach in schools and mentoring shifts, where he works alongside his mentees, shows he not only walks the walk, but helps others to do so, too.”

Our judges also praised Kairouz’s ability to adopt “a wider perspective” in his work.

Highly commended: Jonathan Ayton, Willmott Dixon

Jono Ayton joined Willmott Dixon as an intern in 2015 and now serves as senior sustainable development manager, where he plays a key role in the firm’s sustainability strategy. Ayton has worked closely with Willmott Dixon’s key supply chain partners to reduce carbon emissions, and also developed a waste-prediction tool that is now mandatory across the business.

The CN Awards judges said: “Jono is an inspiring innovator who has made a really big impact, influencing others both within the organisation and across the wider supply chain, which is not an easy thing to do. With his encouragement, smaller companies in the supply chain have been able to make their first steps on the journey to sustainable construction.”

Highly commended: Megan Rayner, Balfour Beatty

Megan Rayner is the quality manager in the Balfour Beatty rail team delivering track renewals on the London Underground, having joined the firm in 2017 as a quality assistant. Rayner has driven the introduction of new digital quality assurance systems to improve customer satisfaction and reduce waste.

The CN Awards judges said: “Megan’s infectious energy has made digitisation and data quality engaging and accessible for everyone, not just for techno-experts.” The judges also praised her long list of achievements and applauded her role as a mentor, calling her “a great role model” for other women looking to join the industry.