William Phillips, an undergraduate construction advisor at BMD Constructions, has been announced as the 2024 Roads Australia Promise, Passion and Pursuit Award Winner.
Awarded annually to an emerging transport leader, the recipient of the Promise, Passion and Pursuit Award receives access to a range of invaluable leadership and mentoring opportunities over 12 months.
With the support of Roads Australia and its Future Leaders’ Committee, the recipient also completes an industry transformation program to advance one of Roads Australia’s national policy priorities.
As the 2024 recipient, William will pilot a program to support young professionals in the civil construction sector, with a focus on cultivating technical and leadership skills as well as mental health and wellbeing.
“The pilot program aims to support young professionals in their early career stages, providing them with the necessary tools and guidance to succeed in the civil construction industry,” said William.
Building on his experience as a member of BMD’s Working Inclusivity Group Victoria, William hopes to contribute to a more diverse and sustainable workforce by enhancing the support and development opportunities available to young professionals.
“It is a great honour to receive this award,” William said. “It represents a terrific opportunity to put forward initiatives that will build up young people starting and growing within this industry and provide them with the tools and support networks which are intended to sustain them for years to come. I looking forward to working with Roads Australia over the next year to create positive change for the industry”.
Roads Australia CEO Ehssan Veiszadeh congratulated William and reaffirmed RA’s commitment to unlocking the potential in people.
“We are impressed by William’s commitment to creating a program that provides young professionals like himself with the support they need to thrive in the workforce and welcome the opportunity to hear and act on the voice of young people through this process.
“Cultivating and retaining talent in the roads and transport sector is a key focus for Roads Australia, and one of four national policy priorities that guides our government and industry engagement.”