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Traffic Signal Engineer, AtkinsRéalis

I started in the highways industry in 2013 after completing my A Levels. I joined Atkins as an apprentice in the highways team while studying a BTEC in civil engineering at college. In the first two years of my career, I was able to rotate around multiple teams to develop a range of both technical and personal skills as well as a wider understanding of the highways industry and how the various components come together to successfully deliver projects.

I decided that the traffic signals team was where I wanted to continue my development. This was because it combined a wide variety of disciplines such as design, day-to-day management and maintenance, while also utilising the latest developments in technology. Traffic signals also allowed me to work with a number of local authorities on a secondment basis, which has given me a different perspective on my role as a traffic signal engineer. I have been able to see in more detail how the decisions that I make impact day-to-day lives.

After completing my BTEC, I continued my academic journey by completing an HNC and Degree apprenticeship, both in civil engineering again. As I had focused my career path on the traffic signals industry, carrying on the academic aspect of my studies helped me to further develop a general understanding of the wider industry so that I could then apply it to specific examples within signals. This could range from understanding how surveys are carried out to how projects are managed or how the foundations of a signal pole are designed and built.

Choosing the apprenticeship route has allowed me to gain vital experience in a working environment and the day to-day operations of traffic signals while also gaining my qualifications. This combination also enabled me to become a Fellow of the IHE as well as becoming professionally registered at Engineering Technician (EngTech) and Incorporated Engineer (IEng) levels. The balance of the two elements of the apprenticeship was a key reason for me achieving this and has also set me on the path to working towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Throughout the early stages of my career, membership and professional registration with the IHE have helped me to define a path for myself while also being able to reflect on what I have done so far. Part of my technical development has been through training courses, such as the traffic control and ITS courses run by the IHE, as well as the numerous webinars that are hosted by the regional branches. The IHE has also helped with the non-technical part of my development. My personal skills have evolved through taking on responsibilities as a member of the IHE Council and IHE Southern Branch Committee as well as being the Early Careers Lead for Intelligent Transport Systems UK. These roles are important to me as I have been able to use my experience of the apprenticeship route into both the highways and the ITS industry to look at how organisations such as the IHE can provide support to early career members as well as students looking at options that could lead to careers.

These roles have given me the confidence to speak on panels at events, network at council meetings and meet people from across the industry when staffing the IHE stand at Traffex. They have also given me the opportunity to write various articles about my experience in the industry. My personal development and confidence have come from maximising the opportunities given to me by the IHE and getting to meet like-minded individuals who also want to help others achieve the most from their careers and give back to an industry, which is a key part of people’s lives – whether they realise it or not.

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