Hear from our graduate trainees
David Crump, Civil Engineering Graduate MEng
David joined Hampshire’s Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) accredited training scheme after graduating from the University of Portsmouth in 2013. He is due to sit his Chartered ICE Professional Review in 2017.
Tell us about a typical day as a Civil Engineering Graduate?
Currently, I’m doing a placement as a Design Engineer in Hampshire’s Engineering Consultancy team. I’ve been here for six months and am working on several major highway improvement schemes along the A27 in Fareham, with combined budgets of £16m.
On a typical day I’ll be working as part of a design team on all elements of highway works such as alignment, pavement, drainage and junction design. I’ll also be putting together the contract for the works.
How varied is the work?
I’m just over half way through the scheme, but I’ve already gained experience on a wide variety of projects, from major highway scheme design to smaller Asset Management and Planned Maintenance projects. I’m excited about my next placement in Contract Services, as I’ll get to manage the project I’ve been designing out on site.
By the time I’ve finished my placements and am ready for my Chartered Professional Review, I’ll have played a key role in the inception, design, construction and maintenance of Hampshire’s highway network.
What has been your personal highlight so far?
My placement in Strategic Transport, where I was the Client Manager of a £4m major highway improvement scheme in Basingstoke.
It enabled me to develop project, design and people management skills that I never expected to gain this early in my career. I also worked with funding bodies, local businesses and residents, where I learned more about how our projects benefit local communities, services and the economy.
I’ve also taken part in the ICE Communications Competition, and mentoring events through the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network (STEMNET) and the University of Portsmouth.
Finally, why would you recommend Hampshire County Council’s training scheme?
I’ve been given the training and project experience to really develop my skills and confidence, and progress towards Chartered Status with the ICE.
One of the main benefits of the scheme is the incredibly strong support network. I regularly meet with my Delegated and Supervising Civil Engineers, who help me set targets and monitor my progress. The graduate trainees also meet regularly to share experiences.
Working for Hampshire County Council provides a great work-life balance too, with flexible working from offices across the county.
Mellasarnd Hickling, Civil Engineering Graduate BEng
Mellasarnd joined Hampshire’s Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) accredited training scheme after graduating from the University of Portsmouth. She is due to sit her Incorporated ICE Professional Review in 2018.
Tell us about a typical day as a Civil Engineering Graduate?
My current placement is in Hampshire’s Section 38 team as a Graduate Assistant Engineer. The team deals with all aspects of highway adoption from planning through to completion.
On a typical day I’ll be carrying out design checks on proposed schemes, liaising with developers, contractors and consultants, and visiting sites to inspect works and ensure they are being carried out according to Hampshire’s standards.
How varied is the work?
I’m doing the first of a series of placements in different engineering disciplines. So far I’ve gained experience of design checks for highway proposals, which requires knowledge of Hampshire’s highway construction standards and drainage systems and interpreting soil investigation reports. I have inspected works and raised issues with contractors and developers. I’ve developed my communication skills as liaising with colleagues, developers, contractors and consultants on multiple developments is key in this role. I have also gained an understanding of the legal process for highway adoption with a Section 38 Agreement.
What has been your personal highlight so far?
At an early stage I’ve been given responsibility to manage multiple projects and progress each development through the Section 38 process. This has really encouraged me to learn fast and make confident judgements and decisions.
Finally, why would you recommend Hampshire County Council’s training scheme?
In the short time I’ve been at Hampshire I have developed skills, knowledge and confidence as a result of being given responsibility for my own workload in a friendly and flexible working environment.
I receive training and support from the Civil Engineers that I work with, as well as having regular meetings with my Delegated and Supervising Civil Engineers, who help me agree targets and guide me through the ICE development process. We also have regular ICE trainee meetings which are great opportunities to discuss progress, experience and placements with others on the scheme.
