Hi, I’m Lauren and I work within the Transport Planning team at AECOM in our Newcastle office. Alongside my work I’m studying a level 3 apprenticeship in Transport Planning at the Leeds College of Building.What team do you work for and what does your role entail?
I work within the Transport Planning team in the Newcastle AECOM office. My role within the Transport Planning team is to assist my team members on different projects. I have been given the opportunity to assist all members within my team, therefore giving me experience on a wide range of different projects.
What sort of projects have you worked on?
I have worked on a number of projects throughout my time at AECOM. Go Smarter to Work, which is a programme that encourages people to travel more sustainably to their place of work; the Bradford Corridor Improvement Programme (CIP) where I had to undertake data analysis to outline the current transport network in Bradford as well as the economic, social and environmental context; and the Gateshead Air Quality Modelling which gave me the opportunity to gain some experience with the modelling software SATURN.
What is your favourite project you have worked on and why?
My favourite project that I have worked on is Go Smarter to Work. The project involved creating personalised travel packs for employees at a range of businesses within Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. It also involved going into some of the businesses to deliver the travel packs and further encourage sustainable travel. I enjoyed going into the businesses to deliver the travel packs as it enabled you to interact with the participants and talk them through the personalised travel pack created for them. I have also taken part in the monitoring and evaluation section of the programme. I particularly enjoyed taking part in the monitoring and evaluation section as it allowed me to see the outcome of the programme and how the work I had done for Go Smarter to Work has actually influenced people’s lifestyle and encouraged them to use more sustainable modes of travel.
How has the AECOM Apprentice programme developed your career so far?
Being part of the AECOM apprentice programme has not only given me multiple opportunities to get involved with different projects within the workplace, but it has also allowed me to gain my EngTech qualification. I have now gained a level 3 qualification in Transport Planning as well as my EngTech. I plan to carry on developing my career by progressing onto the Transport Planning degree at Aston University. Throughout my time at AECOM I feel like I am always given the opportunity to improve both my skills and knowledge in order to best develop my career.
What is the social side of working for AECOM like?
Within the Newcastle AECOM office we have a Sports and Social club. To be a member of the club it costs £2 per month. The Sports and Social club committee then use this money to organise a range of events throughout the year. These events cover a wide range of activities, accommodating everyone in the office. Previous events have included pub crawls, theatre trips and also discounted entry to horse racing, cricket and basketball events. Being a member of the Sports and Social club gives you the opportunity to socialise with everyone in the office including those who you don’t work with on a day to day basis.
