Fraser Hyndman EngTech TMICE works for Unity Partnership.
Who do you work for and what is your role?
Working for Mouchel in the highways sector, I am currently delivering minor works schemes for Oldham MBC within our joint venture company Unity Partnership. Working in the Casualty Reduction Section I am required to use my Engineering knowledge and experience to deliver schemes that improve the functionality and accessibility of the highway so that it works efficiently and safely. I produce scheme proposals such as junction improvements, traffic calming and geometric profiling of the highway, such as bends, to reduce the likelihood of collisions occurring.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
To date I have had a varied career in highways with many small triumphs due to successful scheme delivery and positive academic and professional results. I have a great deal of satisfaction looking back at schemes we have delivered in Casualty Reduction knowing that what we have delivered has improved the safety of road users and pedestrians alike, saving lives along with reducing the pain, grief and suffering associated with road traffic accidents.
What do you enjoy most about your job as a civil engineer?
Working for the public sector has enabled me to work on projects where engineering is not the only aspect, and I have been able to combine it with innovative projects that utilise education and training so that what we put on the ground is effectively used by the community. Being able to use my experience as an Engineering Technician to build the junctions and crossings from feasibility to completion is exactly what I signed up for. There are very few careers that can offer this.
What route did you take to become a Technician?
On graduating with my HND I immediately took my Technician Professional Review after completing my IPD whilst studying at Leeds Metropolitan University. The University and ICE provided support throughout this process, sitting in meetings with my colleagues as we discussed the process and our overall preparation and development. I found this route made the process very simple to follow as we collectively removed any myths and uncertainties we harboured surrounding the TMICE qualification.
What do you feel being a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers has given you?
The institution has given me a window of opportunity to prove to myself that I am making significant steps in my career development on my route to becoming a Chartered Engineer.
Would you say that your ICE membership has helped you in the development of your career? If so, how and what are the benefits from your point of view?
Becoming a Technician Member of the ICE gets you noticed for being one of what is a small number of Technicians that have the ‘get up and go’ to get professionally qualified. Once you have showed you have the guts to sit down in front of two strangers and convince them of your quality of judgement and ability within the profession your success will reflect on others around you, gaining further respect and drive to improve.
What would be your best piece of advice for others wanting to become a civil engineer?
Never refrain from asking questions, it doesn’t matter how silly it may seem, most of the time someone else is thinking the same thing. By doing this you will minimise the need to make assumptions, as this is what I have found causes the majority of problems in completing projects. Listen to the experience of the people you work with and develop your own experience from this.