| Project Management Graduate of the Year

This category recognises excellence in achievement for someone who has completed an undergraduate degree in project management, or a significant component of the degree was within the area of project management.

The category is open to those who have completed their undergraduate degree in the academic year 2024/2025 (if you are unsure if you qualify in this academic time frame please contact awards@apm.org.uk for clarification before applying, giving details about your academic years/graduation date/university and course). Entrants can either self-nominate or be nominated by their employer or academic institution but may only enter/be entered into this category once. Entrants can be members or non-members of APM, from both in and outside of the UK.

Entries must take the form of a 1,000-word statement OR an 8-minute video (in English) addressing the criteria below and be accompanied by a letter of support (as a pdf document) from your academic institution or employer (please note copies of grades or certificates will not be accepted). 

In addition, entrants may also submit up to two pieces of supporting evidence

• images and/or graphics (no text, just short captions)
• a link to a video no more than 2 minutes in length

Evidence must support information already included in the submission and must not introduce additional elements. Please see further details on the ‘Supporting evidence’ tab of the Awards platform.

View the finalists      Book your pass      Winners will be announced 29 April 2026

Congratulations and good luck to all our finalists...

James demonstrated consistent academic excellence throughout his degree, achieving over 70% in all modules and marks as high as 93%, culminating in a First-Class Honours degree and a Certificate of Excellence from the University of South Wales.

Drawing on his background as an electrician, project manager, and APM member, James selected an original and professionally relevant dissertation examining the shortage of skilled electrical labour and its impact on construction projects. His research explored the relationship between skills shortages and project performance, informed by qualitative interviews with colleges, employers, and project professionals, ensuring strong academic rigour and real-world relevance.

Caitlin Quinn is a Project Manager at Balfour Beatty and a graduate of Business Management and Finance, achieving First Class Honours with a strong focus on project management. Through academic excellence, a full industrial placement year, and rapid progression within Balfour Beatty’s Graduate Scheme, Caitlin has developed a people-centred approach to project delivery.

She is passionate about communication, stakeholder engagement, and creating opportunities for others through knowledge-sharing initiatives and leadership involvement. Caitlin is currently supporting major infrastructure programmes, delivering projects that create lasting value for communities and the wider economy.

Matthew has achieved exceptional academic and professional success, graduating with a BSc Honours Degree and completing a Level 6 Project Management Degree Apprenticeship. Earning a Distinction in his Work-Based Project, leading the Paint Spray Room Improvements Project and helping to deliver cost avoidance through innovative problem-solving. Matthew has undertaken placements across various project disciplines, gaining broad experience and excelling in various nuclear projects.

A passionate STEM Ambassador, promoting project management at schools, leading outreach programmes, and supporting apprentices and graduates through mentoring and induction workshops. His achievements reflect strong leadership, resilience, and commitment to the project profession.

Category criteria and weighting

Academic achievement   40%

• Examples of outstanding academic achievement in dissertation or unit work
• Originality of research topic and engagement with the profession

Contribution  20%

• Membership of student societies
• Examples of ambassadorial work undertaken while on the degree

Career  30%

• Examples of placements and internships undertaken while on the degree
• Examples of other engagement with the project profession while on the degree
• Demonstrates clarity on the skills the applicant needs for future success
• Demonstrates potential for future career development in the Project profession

Personal achievement section  10%

• Challenges overcome and achievements

Societal impact

Where you feel your work has delivered a societal impact, please include this in your submission. Think about what difference you've made outside of your own sphere of influence. This could be for example around the environment, society, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Judges will be putting forward relevant entries to our new Societal Impact Award.