A young project manager at Liverpool City Council has spoken of her delight at being shortlisted for a prestigious industry award.
Emma Gutierrez-Waldron (pictured), Apprentice Project Manager in the Transport and Highways department, has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the Highways Awards 2025.
And Liverpool City Council has been nominated for an additional five national awards, highlighting the excellent achievements of the Transport and Highways department.
Emma’s nomination is a testament to her unwavering dedication, proactive mindset, and passion for public service. With a background in STEM – including a BSc in Bioveterinary Sciences and an MRes in Healthy Musculoskeletal Ageing from the University of Liverpool – Emma’s journey into project management has been anything but conventional. Inspired by her architect parents and a love for problem-solving, she transitioned from laboratory research to public infrastructure, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact.
“Being shortlisted felt like a moment of real validation,” Emma shared. “It’s boosted my confidence and made me even more motivated to keep learning and contributing to the industry.”
Emma’s approach to her apprenticeship has been marked by consistency, reliability, and a willingness to learn. She credits her success not just to what she’s done, but how she’s done it – building strong relationships, staying organised, and embracing feedback with humility.
Emma said: “I try to bring consistency and reliability to everything I do, and I have always been a proactive individual who is open to learning.
“Coming from STEM, every day is a school day for me in highways. I focus on building strong working relationships, staying organised, and letting my work speak for itself.
“I also make a conscious effort to ask questions, take feedback on board, and look for ways to improve.”
Among the many lessons she’s learned, Emma highlights the importance of having difficult conversations early, likening it to “dealing with dirty dishes – the longer you leave them, the worse they get.” This mindset has helped her grow professionally and personally, strengthening her confidence and communication skills.
Liverpool City Council has played a pivotal role in Emma’s development, offering mentorship, meaningful projects, and a culture that values individual growth.
“I’ve had access to experienced mentors, regular feedback, and opportunities to stretch my skills,” she said. “The support from my team has made all the difference.”
Emma also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her colleagues, especially her manager Chris Parkes, Head of Service Graham Martin, and works supervisors Ste Parkes and Jon Colton, who have guided her through site visits and project delivery.
Looking ahead, Emma remains committed to her role and the sector.
“I want to keep growing, deepening my understanding, and making a positive impact. Steady growth and curiosity are what I believe lead to long-term success.”
Her advice to others considering a career in highways or public infrastructure is simple yet powerful: “Go for it. Stay curious. Don’t be afraid to fail – because failure is just your first attempt in learning.”
The other five award nominations for the city’s Transport and Highways department are:
• Environmental and Sustainability – Catharine Street
• Small Project under £10million – Catharine Street
• Team of the Year – Commissioning & Project Delivery
• Highways Partnership – Adept Live Labs 2, Liverpool Live Labs (in partnership with Colas)
• Liverpool City Council Highways Investment Program (in partnership with Huyton Asphalt)
The awards will be announced in London on Tuesday 23 September. You can learn more about the nominations at Highways Awards 2025.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:“Emma’s nomination is a proud moment for Liverpool City Council and a reflection of the talent and dedication we’re nurturing within our Transport and Highways team.
“Her journey into project management is inspiring, and her commitment to learning and public service embodies the values we stand for.
“We’re also thrilled to see the department recognised across five other nominations – it’s a testament to the hard work, innovation, and collaboration that’s driving real improvements across our city’s infrastructure.”
Graham Martin, Head of Service, said: “Emma’s shortlisting for Apprentice of the Year is a moment of pride for our entire team. Emma has shown that blending scientific rigour with creative problem-solving can drive real progress in our city. “Our apprenticeship programme exists to nurture talent like Emma’s. By pairing structured learning with hands-on experience and dedicated mentorship, we’re not only building skilled professionals but also empowering future leaders of Liverpool’s transport network. Emma’s success is proof that investment in people delivers powerful results for our communities.”