Willmott Dixon assistant project surveyor Scott Dennett has won the contractor’s 2026 Trainee of the Year award.
Dennett, who is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Building South-East Hub Committee, graduated from the company’s management trainee scheme in September 2025 after joining the business five years ago.
The award, which has run since 1989, recognises employees who have recently completed the programme. Previous winners include Willmott Dixon chief executive Graham Dundas and construction COO Stewart Brundell.
Dennett first won the regional title for Construction South before progressing to the national final. Finalists submitted portfolios covering project work, achievements and professional development before being interviewed by Dundas and chief people officer Kate Jansen.
The final took place on 30 April, with the award presented by executive chairman Rick Willmott, Dundas and Jansen.
Other winners included Chloe Hanley, who received the SCAPE Trainee of the Year award, and Rikki Johnson, named Mentor of the Year.
Dennett said his presentation on the awards day focused on his involvement with the CIOB South-East Hub Committee, gaining an Institution of Civil Engineers Law and Contract Management qualification, and the projects he worked on during the trainee programme.
He is also due to begin a master’s degree in construction law and dispute resolution at King’s College London in September.
Dennett said: “To receive it is a huge honour and definitely one of the proudest moments of my career so far.”
Willmott Dixon said its trainee programme helps address industry skills shortages through structured development, mentoring and progression opportunities.
