| Project Management Graduate of the Year

This category recognises excellence in achievement for someone who has completed an undergraduate degree in project management, or a significant component of the degree was within the area of project management.

The category is open to those who have completed their undergraduate degree in the academic year 2024/2025 (if you are unsure if you qualify in this academic time frame please contact awards@apm.org.uk for clarification before applying, giving details about your academic years/graduation date/university and course). Entrants can either self-nominate or be nominated by their employer or academic institution but may only enter/be entered into this category once. Entrants can be members or non-members of APM, from both in and outside of the UK.

Entries must take the form of a 1,000-word statement OR an 8-minute video (in English) addressing the criteria below and be accompanied by a letter of support (as a pdf document) from your academic institution or employer (please note copies of grades or certificates will not be accepted). 

In addition, entrants may also submit up to two pieces of supporting evidence

• images and/or graphics (no text, just short captions)
• a link to a video no more than 2 minutes in length

Evidence must support information already included in the submission and must not introduce additional elements. Please see further details on the ‘Supporting evidence’ tab of the Awards platform.

View the winner 

Congratulations to our winner

Judges comments

Caitlin demonstrated excellent academic achievement earning a First-class honours degree, completing an industrial placement and continuing her studies gaining the APM - Project Fundamentals Qualification. She also achieved early promotion to Project Manager at Balfour Beatty.  

Caitlin shows genuine commitment to the profession through knowledge sharing and her “Deep Dive” podcast, while giving back through mentoring, student support, and meaningful community volunteering. The judges all agreed she has a bright future ahead of her.

Caitlin Quinn is a Project Manager at Balfour Beatty and a graduate of Business Management and Finance, achieving First Class Honours with a strong focus on project management. Through academic excellence, a full industrial placement year, and rapid progression within Balfour Beatty’s Graduate Scheme, Caitlin has developed a people-centred approach to project delivery.

She is passionate about communication, stakeholder engagement, and creating opportunities for others through knowledge-sharing initiatives and leadership involvement. Caitlin is currently supporting major infrastructure programmes, delivering projects that create lasting value for communities and the wider economy.

James demonstrated consistent academic excellence throughout his degree, achieving over 70% in all modules and marks as high as 93%, culminating in a First-Class Honours degree and a Certificate of Excellence from the University of South Wales.

Drawing on his background as an electrician, project manager, and APM member, James selected an original and professionally relevant dissertation examining the shortage of skilled electrical labour and its impact on construction projects. His research explored the relationship between skills shortages and project performance, informed by qualitative interviews with colleges, employers, and project professionals, ensuring strong academic rigour and real-world relevance.

Matthew has achieved exceptional academic and professional success, graduating with a BSc Honours Degree and completing a Level 6 Project Management Degree Apprenticeship. Earning a Distinction in his Work-Based Project, leading the Paint Spray Room Improvements Project and helping to deliver cost avoidance through innovative problem-solving. Matthew has undertaken placements across various project disciplines, gaining broad experience and excelling in various nuclear projects.

A passionate STEM Ambassador, promoting project management at schools, leading outreach programmes, and supporting apprentices and graduates through mentoring and induction workshops. His achievements reflect strong leadership, resilience, and commitment to the project profession.