Architect and Engineer take top prize in Women in Property Yorkshire & North East Student Awards

Two students from the University of Sheffield have been announced as the regional winners at the Women in Property Yorkshire & North East Student Awards.  The event, sponsored by Brabners, provided employers in the property and construction sector with a platform to engage with some of the most promising undergraduates in the built environment sector.

Jess Pugh, studying Architecture was described by the judges as “very mature and empathetic, an eloquent and interesting speaker”.

Ayesha Rauf, studying Civil & Structural Engineering, was described by the judges as “unassuming and inspiring, she had a calming effect throughout the meeting.”

April Marsden, Chair of Women in Property Yorkshire and North East and Associate Director at Bowman Riley, said: “I am delighted for Jess and Ayesha. It’s so important that we continue to support and recognise up-and-coming local talent.   Women in Property facilitates an ongoing collaboration between universities and businesses in the region to nurture the next generation of skilled professionals in the face of a persistent skills shortage and gender imbalance in the industry”.

The Women in Property Student Awards programme, sponsored nationally by Amazon, Bouygues UK, Savills and tp bennett, as well as regionally by GFW and Ryder, aims to showcase top-performing built environment students and highlight the diverse career opportunities within the industry.  Jess and Ayesha’s success underscores the calibre of talent within the region.

Jessica Douglas, HR and Recruitment Manager at GFW said: “It is an honour to sponsor the Women in Property Yorkshire & North East Student Awards for 2024. We witnessed an immense amount of talent during the interview stage and could not be happier to present the award to the regional winners. As ever, we’re proud to champion women making their mark in the property sector. Both winners are hugely deserving of the accolade and we’re sure they’ll go far.”

Sophie Walker, Associate at Ryder said: “Ryder is delighted to have sponsored the Women in Property Yorkshire North East Student Awards 2024. We are proud to have been at the forefront of supporting young people into the construction industry for many years, and it is fantastic to see the strength of talent continue to flourish. A strong group of candidates made the judging extremely tough – both winners are exceptional students. We wish them all the best for the national judging!”

The national final, on Thursday 19th September in London, will see Jess and Ayesha compete against 12 other students from across the UK for the prestigious national award.  The winner will be announced at the Best of the Best Dinner at Claridge’s later that evening.