We are proud to share that Digital Capture Specialist/Engineering BIM Technician, Sophie Harwood, has been shortlisted in the ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ award category for the Greater Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2019.
The winners will be announced on Tuesday 5th February at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lincoln, where the awards are being hosted by Homes Under the Hammer star and 2016 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here contestant, Martin Roberts.
Sophie joined Waldeck in 2014 as part of our BIM Academy, and since then her role has continually evolved to meet the needs of the business, whilst allowing her to develop and progress her own career.
Sophie currently takes on two roles within Waldeck’s project delivery teams, working on multi-disciplinary construction projects ranging from intricate digital surveys to multi-million pound capital investment programmes.
Sophie shares an insight into her story so far.
‘The journey’
Walking through the door to the Waldeck BIM academy as a Trainee CAD technician over four and half years ago, with no experience within the construction or civil engineering industry was just the very beginning of my journey.
This was a time when I knew that I had a passion for the industry; all I wanted was to be successful, just as anyone else would want to be in their career. But looking back on that day I never thought I would be where I am today, having achieved as much as I have done in such a short time.
‘Always giving 110%’
Throughout my BTEC and NVQ College courses, as well as my Remote Pilot training with RUSTA, I have always put 110% into my assignments, reports and evidence that I have needed to provide in order to achieve the highest grades, whilst balancing my studies with my full time role at Waldeck.
My attitude towards my qualifications is mirrored in the work I do for clients, whether it be a drawing, a model, or answering a question they may have.
‘Embracing it!’
The construction and engineering industry is changing, and so is technology. To be given the chance to embrace it and utilise it, whilst advocating to others that it can help our industry become more efficient in time, cost, quality and health and safety and not to fear new technology, has been a great opportunity within my career.
Through my UAV training, and as a result of my dedication and commitment to the drone industry I have been able to achieve my ‘Gold Wings’ from RUSTA, whilst also working on new ways to deliver solutions to clients.
‘Added extras’
Alongside my core roles at Waldeck, I am also a member of Waldeck’s Health and Safety Committee. I chose to take on the role as Office Health and Safety Champion for our head office, as to me Health and Safety is an immensely important consideration within the construction industry; whether it be in an office, on-site or when using a drone.
I have helped to implement initiatives across the company helping others to better understand the importance of Health and Safety, and as a result, I received the award for British Safety Council Young Health and Safety Champion 2017.
‘My inspiration’
Looking at what other people are doing within the industry, projects that are being worked on and new technology and innovations that are happening daily, there are so many barrier-breaking projects and knowledgeable people that inspire me.
Seeing successes of colleagues and friends within the business and across the industry, and catching a glimpse of where they are and what they are doing within their careers due to their hard work and determination is what drives me.
‘Why me?’
Being from a small village in Lincolnshire, and having spent my career working in the Head Office of a business founded in Lincolnshire, this award would be an accumulation of everything I have achieved to date.
I want to be an inspiration to others whether they are already in the industry or looking to start a career in construction. It doesn’t matter if you have no knowledge or experience within the industry, but by putting in hard work, commitment and dedicating yourself to something you are passionate about, you will be rewarded whether it be a good grade in a qualification, an award or through self-confidence and being proud of the work you have done.
I cannot forget to mention that all of my achievements to date would not have been possible without the support and opportunities provided from Waldeck. Thank you!
Mark Greatrix, Director commented: “From the outset Sophie has demonstrated great drive in all aspects of her career, both academically and at project delivery level. As a fast paced business we have to remain very reactive to our clients’ needs which has seen a great deal of evolution in our service offerings. As a core contributor to this and to the technologies team, Sophie has embraced a broad range of tasks and digital tool-sets to deliver effectively and efficiently to the highest of standards for our clients. Sophie is extremely deserving of a place within the short listings and I wish her the best of luck.”
Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive at Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce said: “The standard of entries this year was exceptionally strong, and the judging panel were impressed by a wide range of attributes from all businesses who entered.
“All shortlisted nominees should be extremely proud and we look forward to celebrating their achievements with them in February.”