Robert Hobkirk EngTech TMICE
Who do you work for and what is your role?
I work for Barnsley Marshall Ltd. As an engineering technician I am involved in preparing layouts and details for various projects. I also manage our companies Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Information Technology (IT).
What is your greatest achievement to date?
I am currently working on the civil and structural engineering aspects of delivering 3.5 million square feet of poultry farm production space on several sites. I am preparing all of the drawings, setting out and helping to manage and integrate various mechanical and electrical engineers information.
What do you enjoy most about your job as a civil engineer?
I enjoy the variety and challenge of working within civil engineering. Every day poses a different challenge that I have to think about and produce solutions to. It’s also nice to be able to go out to a project that I have worked on and see it being built. I feel civil engineering is a career with real depth and an industry in which I will never stop learning.
What route did you take to become a Technician?
I took the Initial Professional Development (IPD) followed by Technician Professional Review route. This was run as a module at Coventry University and so whilst completing my IPD I was also studying for my HNC in civil engineering.
What do you feel being a member of Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has given you?
Being an ICE member has given me the opportunity to show that besides having academic qualifications I am practically experienced as well. ICE offers a variety of resources that have proven useful.
Would you say that your ICE membership has helped in the development of your career?
Membership has definitely helped in the development of my career; it has provided me with both the professional qualification that industry professionals look for as well as giving me an insight into how I need to go about becoming chartered.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Once I have finished my degree, I would like to become a chartered engineer.
What would be your best piece of advice for others wanting to become a civil engineer?
Work hard – good civil engineers are needed all over the world so a bit of hard work could get you a very long way.