Young Construction Professional of the Year — Winner: Jake Astell, Vinci Building
Jake Astell has been awarded Young Construction Professional of the Year, recognised for his exceptional leadership, technical capability, and rapid progression within Vinci Building. Jake stands out as a young professional who consistently delivers excellence, drives collaboration, and exemplifies the future of construction leadership.
His maturity, professionalism, and impact across multiple high-profile schemes made him a standout winner in a category filled with impressive emerging talent.
Why He Won
Jake’s contribution to Vinci Building goes far beyond his years of experience. He has become a central figure in the successful delivery of complex projects, taking on responsibilities normally associated with far more senior roles. Judges highlighted his ability to remain composed under pressure, his strong technical knowledge, and his commitment to achieving high standards across health & safety, quality, and client satisfaction.
Jake is not just progressing rapidly—he is actively raising the bar for those around him.
What Set Him Apart
Exceptional Leadership on Live Projects
Jake has played a pivotal role in the delivery of challenging refurbishment and new-build schemes, demonstrating strong decision-making skills and an ability to coordinate complex operational requirements. His calm, solutions-focused approach has earned the trust of senior colleagues, subcontractors, and clients alike.
Technical Strength and Commercial Awareness
Despite being early in his career, Jake has shown outstanding capability in managing packages, leading technical discussions, and resolving onsite challenges efficiently. His understanding of programme, cost, sequencing, and risk management is significantly ahead of expectation for his level.
Commitment to High Standards in Health & Safety
Jake exemplifies Vinci’s strong safety culture. He conducts regular inspections, challenges unsafe practices, and promotes a proactive approach to wellbeing on-site. His willingness to speak up and hold others to account demonstrates impressive confidence and maturity.
Driving Collaboration and Team Culture
Jake is known for his professionalism, empathy, and ability to maintain a positive working environment. He supports senior colleagues while also stepping up to guide more junior team members—strengthening capability across the site team.
Reliability Under Pressure
Jake has repeatedly delivered during demanding programme periods and critical project milestones. His attention to detail and calm, organised approach ensure he meets challenges head-on and contributes to the smooth running of large-scale operations.
The Impact
Jake’s influence is already visible across the teams and projects he supports. He is trusted, dependable, and motivated by a genuine desire to deliver quality work. His ability to combine technical knowledge, strong communication, and leadership potential shows all the hallmarks of a future senior construction leader.
Jake’s contribution also reflects positively on Vinci Building—demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to developing exceptional young professionals.
A Deserving Winner
Jake Astell is a shining example of what the next generation of construction talent looks like:
driven, technically skilled, people-focused, and committed to excellence.
His achievements to date—and his clear potential for the future—make him a thoroughly deserving winner of Young Construction Professional of the Year.