Martin Staehr has been named Laing O’Rourke’s Graduate of the Year. Martin heads a strong field as part of the 2008 intake.
“The win was genuinely unexpected; I was up against some top class competition. I’ll make the most of the opportunities that this exposure may bring.
“My focus is still on learning. I don’t believe there are any other contractors that invest as much in their people,” says Martin whose father, rail legend, Per Staehr, was chief executive of Bombardier Transportation and chairman of the Rail Media Group.
Martin, a Select Site Solutions engineer, battled it out with 11 other finalists from the 2008 Graduate Development Programme (GDP), tasked with developing an implementation strategy to ‘challenge and change’ the construction industry.
Contestants had to present their thoughts to a panel of senior business leaders.
Martin’s proposal was to create a suite of client support materials for readily designed buildings, in line with current changes in the education, health and data security markets.
Laing O’Rourke graduates work through a flexible development programme lasting between two and four years, depending on the speed of progress.
This flexibility ensures the professionals of the future are challenged, stretched and supported as they become qualified to deliver world-class projects.
Laing O’Rourke is involved with the railways across the world with interests in Europe, Australia and Hong Kong.
Martin Staehr was presented with his award by commercial director Anna Stewart at a ceremony celebrating all 77 of the 2008 intake. Giving Martin a close run for his money were runners-up Adam Slaughter from Construction North, and Expanded Piling’s Annabel Windsor Medley.
Tom O’Connor, managing director of Rail Media said:
“The Staehr family has been a great supporter of the rail industry for many years now and we are delighted Martin has done so well. We wish both him and all the class of ‘08 every success in the future.”
