Karl Wilkinson IEng MICE

What is a typical day for you?

As a site based contractor my day starts by walking around the site and inspecting various items of temporary works to ensure they are safe to use prior to work starting. I also use this time to refresh myself on the current progress of the project. Following this, I delegate the daily work to the site engineers and resolve any queries they may have. I ensure the quality of the work on site is in accordance with the contract documentation, specifications and legislation and monitor this using various quality assurance tools.

I interrogate the design drawings looking for more innovative methods of construction and assess their buildability, which I then discuss with the site management and implement by working with the structural engineer and architect. I am also accountable for the dimensional control of the project, temporary works and environmental management.

Much of my day is taken up establishing and maintaining control systems for the accurate and precise setting out of the project, designing temporary works systems for access, support and protection as well as stability checks on the structure whilst in the temporary state.

My role as environmental manager involves monitoring the carbon footprint of the project delivery, minimising waste through more efficient construction processes and recording all environmental aspects and impacts. Then I stop for lunch.

Why did you become a civil engineer?

Since I was a small boy I have always been fascinated with buildings and putting things together. Different to an accountant, banker or lawyer, as a civil engineer, at the end of every project I can physically see the fruits of my labour and leave a legacy behind that benefits society.

What is your greatest achievement to date?

At the age of 24 I was given the role of project engineer on a £34M residential scheme (Islington Wharf in Manchester) comprising two reinforced concrete structures, one of nine storeys high and another of 20 storeys and a two level podium car park. The taller of the two structures features a bespoke cladding system which angles at 3° to the vertical to provide an iconic architectural design. The cladding system demanded exacting tolerances otherwise the pre-installed windows would not open. I designed a control system using CAD and had a specialist tool fabricated for its implementation. Fortunately the system was a success and as a result all the windows on Islington Wharf open. I also package managed £9M worth of work with the help of the planning and commercial team to successfully deliver four subcontracts safely, on time and to budget.

Are you actively involved with ICE?

I am a member of the G&S committee for which I planned an event earlier this year alongside two colleagues for the visiting ICE President Jean Venables. My role also includes chairing local area meetings, presenting to universities in the North West and help graduates and students in their professional development. Last year I was fortunate enough to be selected as an ICE Chairman´s Apprentice for Chris Davies. I spent 2 days as a guest on the President´s visit to Liverpool delivering presentations to universities and a citation at the ICE North West Annual Awards dinner.

What do you feel being a member of ICE has given you?

As a member of the ICE I feel I have reached a professional benchmark recognised amongst my peers across the spectrum of both contractors and consultants that differentiates me as an engineer from other graduates. I feel a massive sense of achievement and am extremely proud to be a member of the ICE.

Would you say that your ICE membership has helped you in the development of your career?

The target of my ICE membership has been invaluable in my development by constantly pushing me, stretching my interests and testing my abilities whilst striving to sign off my development objectives. The objectives prevent you from becoming too tunnel vision in your job role and makes you look around at other aspects of the industry so you become a more rounded engineer. Now that I am a member, I believe I provide my company with an added level of professionalism which can be used to win and deliver projects in an engineering led environment.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to become a project leader in the future, on large and technically demanding projects. I want to use my experience and professionalism as an engineer to safely deliver carbon neutral, sustainable, high quality, innovative construction on programme and within budget.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I passionately believe in raising the profile of civil engineering.

MICE is not handed to you on a plate and is arguably one of the most difficult professional accolades to achieve. The elevation in status of becoming MICE cannot be gained through experience alone and alongside more transparent communication, it is imperative in raising the professional recognition of engineers across the industry and within society.