A talented apprentice has been hailed as an inspiration to budding professionals after winning a coveted national award.
Northallerton-based Ellen Campbell took home the top prize at the 2025 Women in Property National Student Awards, which was held in London this month.
The 23-year-old works as an apprentice architectural technologist for Align Property Partners, the North Yorkshire Council-owned property consultancy, and already boasts an impressive portfolio of residential and commercial projects across the North East.
The Leeds Beckett University student saw off competition from 142 students from 69 universities who were put forward for the award.
Ellen was among the 16 nominees shortlisted for the national finals – and dazzled the judges to secure the top honour.
“I’m over the moon to have won this award,” Ellen said. “I feel like this is a true testament to the phrase ‘hard work pays off’.
“It’s not always easy but studying for a degree whilst working full-time has given me a huge amount of experience and knowledge. I’m extremely grateful to have had this opportunity to be in a room with so many other inspiring women.
“It is fantastic to see women making remarkable strides in the property and construction industry.
“Highlighting their achievements is vital – not only to celebrate their success, but to keep attracting diverse talent and continue transforming the culture of traditionally male-dominated sectors.”
Ellen joined Align’s award-winning apprenticeship programme as a 19-year-old from college and made an instant impression.
Since then, she has worked with the company’s award-winning team of architects and engineers on many high-profile schemes, including the £3.2 million development at Bewerley Park outdoor education centre in Pateley Bridge, and the building of Oakbridge Church of England Primary School in Northallerton.
Ellen was confirmed as the winner of the national award at a prestigious ceremony held at Claridge’s in London on Thursday, September 18.
The managing director of Align, Ron Walton, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Ellen has won this award and it is richly deserved – she has been an outstanding addition to our team.
“We know first-hand through our apprenticeship and work experience schemes just how passionate and talented young people in this region are – and Ellen is another shining example of that. I hope her success can inspire other budding professionals across the property industry.
“We always put people at the heart of everything we do, and over the years we’ve developed a track record of investing in our employees’ growth and wellbeing, while creating a working environment where people can thrive.
“It is vital that we continue to create a pathway for students to learn and hone their skills, and as Ellen has done, make a real difference and achieve extraordinary things.”
The National Student Awards programme runs regionally each year with universities invited to nominate their top students studying on a built environment degree course.
The regional nominees go in front of a judging panel of industry professionals when they are questioned about a specific piece of coursework as well as their own career aspirations.
The winners then go through to the “Best of the Best” final, again facing a judging panel when they are challenged on topical industry issues.
The national chair of Women in Property and executive director of operations at Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, Emma Richman, sat on the judging panel and led the praise for Ellen.
She said: “As judges, we get almost as much from this process as the students do. They are genuinely inspiring and a reminder of how much we can learn from the next generation entering our industry.
“They challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas and, without exception, a real sense of responsibility and stewardship for the sustainability of our built and natural environment. My congratulations
Be the first to comment