This week marks both Women in Construction Week (2-8th March) and International Women’s Day (8th March) and so we are shining a spotlight on the women of Cambria.
From technical project input to the logistics of running the business, Cambria’s female staff members are integral to it all. Here we introduce each staff member, their role and experience.
Laura Mitchell – Director
Laura joined Cambria as a Director in January 2023 and has strengthened our CSE services with her knowledge and expertise.
She has already made a big impact on projects including Oakdale residential development, Court ALN Schools in Cardiff and Swansea City Centre redevelopment and she takes a huge sense of pride in shaping and delivering local projects in South Wales.
A particular career highlight was being Chair of FBE Cambria Branch which raised £20,000 for Headway over her tenure.
Trish Michael – Practice Secretary
Trish has accumulated over 30 years of experience in the Engineering Consultancy sector as a Practice Secretary, where she has developed extensive knowledge in managing a dynamic commercial practice.
Her expertise includes the implementation and practical application of ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications, as well as achieving the Investors in People standard. As a Fellow of the Association for Accounting Technicians for nearly two decades, Trish manages a variety of financial tasks, including the preparation of monthly management reports and overseeing credit control.
She is a passionate advocate for workplace equality and has represented women on numerous construction-related committees throughout her career. Currently, she serves as the Treasurer for the Women in Property South Wales Branch and has recently begun volunteering with Gwent Wildlife Trust.
Gabby McDermot – Practice Administrator
Gabby joined Cambria as a university graduate through an apprenticeship scheme in November 2021. She has undergone extensive on-the-job training, which has involved the practical implementation of Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental Management System including responsibilities for internal auditing and compliance with external assessments.
Through external courses funded by Cambria, Gabby has also gained valuable qualifications, including an NVQ in Business Administration through the apprenticeship, as well as certifications in First Aid, Fire Marshal and IOSH Managing Safely. At the end of 2022, she enrolled in a Pagabo Foundation-funded training course to become a certified Mental Health First Aider, attending a two-day course in Hull. Gabby recognized the significance of this training in equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to support her colleagues.
Carys Thomas – Graduate Structural Engineer
Carys joined Cambria after graduating university with a MEng in Civil Engineering with Architecture, during which she completed an 8 weeklong placement with Balfour Beaty working on their Core Valley Lines project in South Wales.
As a graduate structural engineer, Carys helps the project engineers and directors with their delegated jobs by conducing calculations, creating CAD drawings and writing reports.
Megija Anna Cecuke – Year in Industry Placement – Civils
Megija joined the Cambria team a few months ago for her Year in Industry placement. She is particularly enjoying getting stuck into different project tasks and building up her knowledge of Civil Engineering.
Having recently pivoted to pursue a career in engineering, Megija previously held roles as diverse as the Culture Implementation Manager at Luminar Bank, Latvia, and System Process Manager at Riga Children’s Hospital.
Megija’s passion is for minimising the environmental impact of projects and conserving water, making a positive impact on both people and the environment.
