Hi, I’m George and I work within the Traffic (Civils) Engineering team at AECOM in our Bristol office. Alongside my work I’m studying a level 6 degree apprenticeship in Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter.
What team do you work for and what does your role entail?
I work for the Streets Team based in Bristol and I assist Team leaders/Senior members of the team to deliver technical work on time, quality and budget. I have progressed comprehensive understanding of standard engineering practices, techniques and procedures from my experience at AECOM.
What is your favourite project you have worked on and why?
My favourite project at AECOM has been the WelTAG Phase 1 assessment for the proposal of Cycleway Five in Cardiff. WelTAG is the Welsh framework for evaluating proposed changes to the existing transport network. This was a multi-disciplinary project involving Streets, Transport Planning and Environment teams. My role in this project was to develop concept designs for three potential routes. The brief was to deliver fully-segregated cycle facilities to connect the city-centre with future development areas to the west. The designs were developed to broaden the clients understanding of the potential design’s economic, social, environmental and cultural implications and allowing them to make an informed decision on which option to choose. I have found this project particularly enjoyable because it has enabled me to take strong ownership of the work I have produced. I have been able to develop my technical and teamwork skills as a result of conferring with other team members in the project.
What technical skills have you developed?
My experience at AECOM has allowed me to develop many technical skills used every day in the workplace. My technical abilities for transport related projects range from design, microsimulation modelling, signals, report writing, spreadsheets and data analysis. When doing design work, I use AutoCAD to produce engineering design drawings for concept, preliminary and detailed design phases. I have worked on a variety of design projects (e.g. cycle infrastructure, traffic calming, junction improvements) allowing me to develop my understanding of AutoCAD, design standards and engineering procedures. VISSIM is used for microsimulation modelling and assists the development of traffic related schemes, understanding the impact on traffic on the wider network and with the aims of improving traffic flows, junction capacity and journey times, assuring the efficiency of schemes to be implemented.
How has your knowledge developed at AECOM?
Whilst working at AECOM, I have advanced in taking responsibility to deliver commitments and deadlines, alongside working collaboratively with my team and other discipline team members to deliver on important projects. One of the most significant aspects of working for AECOM is our commitment to Health and Safety in the workplace and on site. As a worker at AECOM, I have been able to contribute to this safe working environment by actively following H&S procedures and prioritising safety in all situations. It has been a great opportunity working at AECOM so far and I look forward to many more years of exciting and impactful projects.
What training support have you received on the programme?
The AECOM Apprentice programme has developed my career significantly. Since I’ve began working at AECOM, their commitment to the training and development of apprentices has strongly boosted my progression in my chosen discipline. I have had the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and attend a variety of insightful professional development events. Significant to the apprentice programme is the 20% off the job training – this 20% is used for time at university and further training courses provided by AECOM, amongst other learning opportunities for learning off the job.
What is the workplace like at AECOM?
Freedom to grow is an initiative at AECOM allowing people to achieve their full potential through having the opportunity to work with more flexibility, allowing everyone to have more freedom in the workplace. This has been greatly beneficial to me alongside my study, meaning I have the opportunity to balance work and university commitments.
What is the social side of working for AECOM like?
Working at AECOM allows me to attend a variety of social events outside of work. The Sports and Social committee at our office provide a variety of opportunities through the arrangement of several social clubs/events such as film club, game night, quiz night, 5-aside football league, Friday drinks, Green Team, CSR days, team meals and the annual Christmas party and Summer party. You are able to attend any of these clubs or events, and they are usually subsidised by AECOM. Attending these events are great opportunities to meet and socialise with colleagues (of any grade!) from the teams that we don’t normally work with.
