Chairman of the Crossrail project, Terry Morgan, has been awarded a knighthood as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2016.

As well as the knighthood, the construction industry also received a CBE for property developer and former crane owner Martin Ainscough in the honours list.

Sir Terry Morgan started his career as a craft apprentice for Lucas Girling and was knighted for his service to UK infrastructure, skills and employment.

He was appointed as Chairman of Crossrail in 2009 and was last year chosen to be chair of the HS2 College governing body.

2015 also saw him appointed by the Government to head the development of its strategy for transport infrastructure skills.

Patrick McLoughlin, Transport Secretary, said that he was pleased to see Mr Morgan receive such a prestigious honour for all his excellent work in helping to develop the Government’s strategy for transport infrastructure skills as well as delivering the Crossrail scheme.

He added that by putting the development of engineering skills at the centre of the Crossrail project, he has been able to show that the delivery of major infrastructure projects within budget and on time and skills investment go together.

Having been an apprentice at the start of his career, Sir Terry has been able to inspire a new generation of apprentices and encourage more young people and women into this crucial industry, regardless of their aspirations and background.

Mr McLoughlin added that Sir Terry has lead his peers throughout the construction sector and an ongoing champion of vocational skills.

Mr Ainscough built up the UK’s biggest crane hire firm with his brothers before selling it almost 10 years ago for £255 million.

The award of a CBE was given for his charity work through the ‘Martin & Judith Ainscough Charity Trust.’

Stephen Huntington, Chief Executive and Chairman of HR Wallingford, was also awarded an OBE for his services to engineering and environmental hydraulics.