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Transport Planner – Local Transport Projects Ltd

What inspired you to become an engineer or pointed you towards an engineering career?

Throughout school and college I have always loved geography. I studied BSc(Hons) physical geography at the University of Hull, taking a variety of different modules. Shortly after I graduated in 2018, I was approached by the university’s career department detailing information relating to a transport planner internship at a local company, Local Transport Projects Ltd. Although I was briefly aware of the highway engineering sector, I was not all that familiar with the transport planner role. However, after some research it was clear that it was a career that I could envisage myself in and one that has scope for great progression. I was fortunate enough to be offered the internship, and it led to a permanent role with the company. Three years later I am still learning something new every day and loving my job.

What made you join the IHE?

When I began working for Local Transport Projects, I was instantly made aware of the IHE as other colleagues are members. Also, as one of the company directors, Tony Kirby, is the past president of the IHE, I quickly heard about the benefits of being a member. I subsequently joined at AMIHE level in early 2019. I have since become a MIHE following my successful engineering technician application.

Has professional registration benefited your career and did this have any benefit for your employer?

I am fortunate enough that the company that I work for is heavily involved with the IHE, and therefore I was made aware at an early stage of the benefits of becoming professionally registered. When the opportunity to partake in a professional registration workshop arose, I took the opportunity to find out more about what is involved with the process. Once I was at a stage where I could provide suitable evidence within my application, I got started. It is still early days as I have only recently received confirmation of my successful engineering technician application and associated upgrade from AMIHE to MIHE. That being said, I imagine that it will be beneficial to myself and my employer as my registration shows that I have engineering capabilities that have been recognised by my peers.

Please describe your role within your workplace.

My role as a transport planner includes providing technical input on projects, including traffic engineering and traffic studies, collision investigation, travel plans, highway access appraisals, traffic signal modelling such as network modelling and junction modelling, and highway preliminary design.

Can you describe a typical working day?

My working days vary so much, which is one of the reasons why I love this career. One day I can be working on a travel plan, and the next I can be out on site undertaking a speed survey.

Are there any particular challenges or unusual aspects to your role?

I wouldn’t say that there are any unusual aspects to my role; however, I do face challenges on a daily basis as I am still fairly new to the industry and coming across new things all the time. I pride myself on asking questions in order to gain as much knowledge as I can in order to continue to develop my skills and understanding of the industry.

What do you find most enjoyable about your job?

I love that I am always learning something new and that no two days are the same. The team I have around me are also fantastic and so supportive.

Is there any advice you would pass on to someone considering professional registration?

Just do it. Although the application process may seem daunting at first, it really is worth it in the long run. The feeling of accomplishment and pride you get when you are notified of your professional registration success is great.

What do you consider the biggest challenges facing the highways and transportation industry?

Sustainability – I believe that more infrastructure for green vehicles (ie electric vehicle charging points) needs to be implemented in order to see a major shift towards these modes of travel.
At the moment I don’t think enough convenient infrastructure is in place, resulting in people using alternative vehicles, such as petrol or diesel cars,  which are detrimental to the environment.

What are your future ambitions?

In five years time I would like to have further developed my skills and have become a senior transport planner. I would also love to have gained Incorporated Engineer professional registration.

Do you participate in any other career-related activities, such as mentoring, volunteering or membership of other engineering groups?

I have recently been approached by the IHE to participate in creating a student paper competition for 2022/2023 using the topical theme of sustainability, which I am very much looking forward to.

Outside work, is there any activity you enjoy doing in your spare time personally and/ or professionally?

In my spare time I enjoy going to concerts and supporting my local rugby team. I also enjoy exploring new places, particularly ones that are warm and sunny!