A woman who found her ideal career after her life took an unexpected turn has been named Apprentice of the Year at a prestigious ceremony in Bristol.

Meg Ginsberg, an Apprentice Project Manager in South West Water’s infrastructure team, was recognised at the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards earlier this month, where she was named Apprentice of the Year.

Meg is forging a promising career in civil engineering having originally studied to be a nurse, making the change to juggle raising a young child and adapting to using a wheelchair following three major operations.

She has since gone on to excel in her chosen apprenticeship and has become an advocate for women and people with disabilities in engineering.

The organisation’s judges said they were impressed with Meg’s passion and commitment to an industry she hadn’t originally planned to join. They added she has demonstrated perseverance to succeed and is already influencing senior colleagues to bring about positive change for the industry.

In response to her award, Meg said: 'I am honoured to be selected as the ICE South West Apprentice of the Year 2023, especially with such fantastic finalists. A massive thank you to my whole team for allowing me the time and support to grab opportunities with both hands.'

John Evans, South West Water’s Head of Programme Delivery, said: 'Meg has been an exceptional apprentice within our team over the last year. She is inspirational not only in how she succeeds in her project management journey but also how she engages internally, with charities and with external organisations, to promote inclusivity and being a role model for other young mothers.'

The award follows Meg’s recent appointment as an ICE South West regional Future Leader, which will see her support the Institution to promote civil engineering across the South West.

Miranda Housden, ICE South West Regional Director, said: 'This year’s awards showcased a strong field of entries, marking a competitive year that underlines the region's depth of talent and achievement.

'With the quality of our apprentices and graduates, the future for civil engineering in the South West looks very promising. Congratulations to Meg and all who participated this year.'