Andy Walker named ICE STEM Ambassador of the Year 2026
10 Jul 2026Highway Inspector, Andy Walker, has been recognised with a prestigious national award for inspiring the next generation of engineers.
10th Dec 2020
Engineer Paula McMahon wins Apprentice Champion recognition
Congratulations to Structures Engineer, Paula McMahon, who was recently crowned Regional Apprentice Champion for the North East and Highly Commended Apprentice Champion at the National Apprenticeship Awards.
Paula started her career as an apprentice at Cleveland County Council, in the North East.
That role gave her the opportunity to explore a large selection of works and visit many departments, including construction, within the council. She then went on to get a 1st Class degree in Civil Engineering from Teesside University.
She joined Sir Robert McAlpine nearly six years ago and is currently working on the maintenance of the strategic road network as part of the A19 DBFO (design, build, finance and operate) scheme.
Paula is passionate about inspiring young people into engineering and construction careers.
She undertakes many activities to promote her profession, such as helping with the North East Apprentice Ambassador Network and regularly giving talks to schools.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, she has been involved in remote discussions with young students to explain career routes, share her own experience as an apprentice, and mentor them. These sessions explore the diverse options that exist within engineering and construction, and how different people can find their own roles within the sector.
Watch Paula talk about her wins for the National Apprenticeship Service.
Since I’ve enjoyed such a varied and interesting career in engineering, I like to shout about it and I like to allow young people to think about it as a career because it may well suit them.
Paula McMahon Structures Engineer, Sir Robert McAlpine
That role gave her the opportunity to explore a large selection of works and visit many departments, including construction, within the council. She then went on to get a 1st Class degree in Civil Engineering from Teesside University.
She joined Sir Robert McAlpine nearly six years ago and is currently working on the maintenance of the strategic road network as part of the A19 DBFO (design, build, finance and operate) scheme.
Paula is passionate about inspiring young people into engineering and construction careers.
Latest awards
-
![]()
Read more about -
![]()
Read more aboutHeroes of the highways honoured
08 Dec 2025Members of our M6 and A19 teams were recognised for their acts of bravery and selflessness at the recent Highways Heroes Awards
-
![]()
Read more aboutAbigail's a rising star
26 Nov 2025Our Apprentice Quantity Surveyor was among those recognised at the Considerate Constructors Scheme Gala Awards
Latest news
-
![]()
Read more aboutTolworth’s Tala Building progress delights stakeholders
04 Aug 2026Local politicians were among those who joined tours of the new mental health facilities set to open in 2028
-
![]()
Read more aboutHS2 signs new civil engineering deals
03 Aug 2026HS2 Ltd has successfully renegotiated contracts with two of the civil engineering joint-ventures building Britain’s new high-speed railway as part of the programme reset.
-
![]()
Read more aboutIHP appointed to deliver new Leighton Hospital in Crewe
30 Jul 2026Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, has been appointed to build the new Leighton Hospital in Crewe.
