How would you describe your current role?

I am a graduate apprentice in AECOM’s Streets team, I have worked on a number of projects with me recently completing technical design and reporting, whilst working with various software’s including Keylines, AutoCAD and Civils 3D.

 

How did you get into your current role and why did you become an apprentice?

I became an apprentice after entering fulltime education and realising it was not the right path for me and that I am a practical learner. I then started looking for apprenticeships in the same industry and applied to several civil engineering sectors across Scotland.

 

How much did you know about highways and transportation before you started in this role?  What was your impression of the industry?

I was not very aware of highways and transportation engineering entering my role and tackled my early years with an open mind. Transportation is a civil engineering sector that has a huge impact on the world and it is going to be key to the drive to net-zero and achieving a sustainable nation and I cannot wait to contribute to that.

Transportation is ... is going to be key to the drive to net-zero and ... I cannot wait to contribute to that.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy designing cycle infrastructure and utilizing existing training on design software where I can. I also enjoy the independence of my job and the independence it has given to me, has kick started my career and adult life at a young age and I am extremely grateful for that.

 

Which bits of your job are the most challenging?

Although I have efficient time management, with an apprenticeship comes lots of multitasking. Establishing the balance between work, university and your social life is key. It can be a high stress situation around deadlines whether that is work or university managing your stress and time can be the most challenging aspect of an apprenticeship.

 

How have you benefitted from your apprenticeship?

My confidence has been greatly increased through my apprenticeship, making me mature at a young age allowing me to be independent at 18 and start my adult life. It kickstarted my career journey and allowed me to develop greater understanding of my university studies.

It ... allowed me to develop greater understanding of my university studies.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of getting a job in highways and transportation?

Highways and Transportation is a vast engineering sector from designing streetscapes to trunk road and motorway design that can impact the entire nation. If you care about sustainability and the nation's goal of net-zero you can create an impact and help take the steps to tackle the climate emergency.

 

How important is it to be part of a professional institution?

As part of a professional institute you are able to gain your chartership with support of an institution with years of experience.

 

In what ways do you make use of being part of a professional institution?

I will utilise the contacts I have made through professional institutions to assist with my dissertation and to create a professional network as I progress my career.

 

CIHT has allowed me to achieve huge career goals at an early stage in my professional life

How has CIHT supported you in your apprenticeship? How will CIHT help you in your professional development and furthering your career?

CIHT has allowed me to achieve huge career goals at an early stage in my professional life and has continued to support me to develop within my current position and beyond. I will also utilise existing professional developments framework to assist me as I look to gain chartership after graduation. I will continue to utilise CIHT throughout my career to continue my professional development at every stage.

Meg Scott, Graduate Apprentice at AECOM

 

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