A BRIDGWATER engineer has been named as 2016 Best Woman Electrical and Mechanical Engineer.


Nicola Fauvel, 40, who works for EDF Energy at Hinkley Point C, picked up the award at the prestigious European Women in Construction and Engineering Awards.


Ms Fauvel, a nuclear island delivery manager, beat four other finalists in her category to win the title.


She said: “To be selected as a winner among people I look up to is one of the highest accolades I could aspire to achieving.


“I still wonder how it is possible to get a prize for getting on with a job that I love and have wanted to do since I was 12!”


David Speight, Head of Civil Construction, who nominated Nicola for the award, said: “Nicola really deserves this award, she has a huge infectious energy and brings out the best from any team she works with."


Ms Fauvel, who holds a master’s degree in economics, also promotes STEM (science, technology and maths) subjects by giving talks to schoolchildren and young women.


She added: “There is such a myth about construction and engineering not being for women, but I am determined that by going into schools I can show that it really is a myth and that projects like HPC offer women really interesting, rewarding and well paid careers.” 


Jenny Costley, EDF Energy’s construction delivery lead, was also a finalist in the Best Woman Civil Engineer section. 


Both women had to undergo a vigorous judging process at the finalists’ ceremony held at London’s Waldorf Hilton, where they had to give a presentation, answer questions and convince the 48 judges to give them top marks.


Although Jenny was pipped at the post for an award, she still beat scores of other nominees to secure a place in the final.


She said: “I am lucky to have found a career I love and hope to inspire others to join this industry.”